http://eu.playstation.com ©2012 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe ©2012 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item153003/Official-PlayStation%C2%AE-Magazine/?site_locale=en_AU Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item153003/Official-PlayStation%C2%AE-Magazine/?site_locale=en_AU 2012-01-18T23:00:00Z 2012-01-24T02:47:32Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item153003/Official-PlayStation%C2%AE-Magazine/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=153003 <p>Official PlayStation Magazine launches into 2012 with all the latest on the hottest games! If you want to take intergalactic warfare and intrigue to the next level you can't miss our multiplayer coverage of <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item435370/Mass-Effect%E2%84%A2-3/" target="_self">Mass Effect 3</a>. We also head to Vancouver, Canada, and get our hands all over <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item377586/PROTOTYPE-2®/" target="_self">Prototype 2</a> to see if it has what it takes to beat <a href="/psn/games/detail/item285792/inFAMOUS%E2%84%A2-2/" target="_self">inFAMOUS 2</a>.</p> <p>Our reviews section is bulging with our verdicts on <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item449168/SOULCALIBUR%E2%84%A2V/" target="_self">SOULCALIBUR V</a>, <a href="/psn/games/detail/item439882/Oddworld-Strangers-Wrath™-HD/" target="_self">Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath</a>, <a href="http://www.sega-australia.com/games/sonic-cd-2011/" target="_blank">Sonic CD</a>, <a href="http://just-dance-thegame.ubi.com/just-dance-3/en-AU/home/" target="_blank">Just Dance 3</a> and much more. We also reveal what you, our readers, voted to be Official PlayStation Magazine's Game of the Year for 2011, and throw in a few of our illuminating awards too.</p> <p>Grab the issue to find out the most surprising place you'll find the voice of Nathan Drake from <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item328373/Uncharted-3-Drakes-Deception%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception</a>. And if you're struggling as a Dovahkiin, our essential tips tell you how to get all the shouts in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item425753/The-Elder-Scrolls-V-Skyrim/" target="_self">The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim</a>.</p> <p>All this, and the latest cinema and Blu-ray reviews and our index of the best and worst PS3 titles out there.</p> <p>Get yours today!</p> <p>On sale at all good newsagents now or head to <a href="http://magshop.com.au/PlayStation-Official-Magazine-Australia" target="_blank">www.magshop.com.au</a>.</p> <p><b>Check out the Official PlayStation Magazine Australia Page on Facebook.<br /></b></p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/OPSAustralia" target="_blank"><img src="http://au.playstation.com/media/b5UZWccq/findusfacebook.gif" alt="" /></a></p> ps3,ps2,psp official playstation magazine, opsm http://au.playstation.com/media/nImOumLU/161/opsm_feb2012.jpg 153003 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item442953/Weekend-Essentials-105/?site_locale=en_AU Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item442953/Weekend-Essentials-105/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-12-16T12:00:00Z 2011-12-22T04:42:40Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item442953/Weekend-Essentials-105/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=442953 <p><b>Get in on the action with Naruto Shippuden</b></p> <p><a href="/psn/games/detail/item395126/NARUTO-SHIPPUDEN-Ultimate-Ninja-Impact/" target="_self">Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact</a> explodes onto PSP this weekend, letting you unleash your honed Jutsu skills in a series of thrilling gameplay modes. The latest game in the epic series that has stormed its way onto both PSP and PlayStation 3 encompasses the Naruto Shippuden storyline from the very beginning through to the most recent episodes, so be sure to pick up a copy from your nearest store this weekend.</p> <p><b>Download blockbuster games straight to your PS3</b></p> <p>Don't want to leave the house this weekend? Don't worry because PlayStation Store has it covered with a whole host of amazing games available to download direct to your PS3.</p> <p>First up is <a href="/psn/games/detail/item383889/Need-For-Speed-The-Run/" target="_self">Need for Speed The Run</a>, in which you'll have to utilise your best driving skills to survive a relentless police force hot on your heels on the streets of San Francisco and New York City. Or, you could hit a different kind of track in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item367080/DiRT-3/" target="_self">DiRT 3</a> on PlayStation 3. The choice is all yours.</p> <p>Next up is <a href="/psn/games/detail/item371649/Alice-Madness-Returns/" target="_self">Alice: Madness Returns</a>, the deliciously dark sequel to Alice, the cult classic from acclaimed game designer, American McGee. Download it from PlayStation Store and explore a dark and shattered Wonderland filled with twisted visions of familiar characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the Red Queen.</p> <p>Fancy something with a little more kick? Then download <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item60351/Tom-Clancys-Rainbow-Six%C2%AE-Vegas/" target="_self">Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas</a> right now. You'll have to work against the clock to prevent the destruction of Las Vegas during an escalating terrorist siege. With global security hanging in the balance, your goal is simple: defend against and counter the threat throughout a series of iconic Las Vegas locations such as Fremont Street, the Strip and its famous casinos.</p> <p><b>The war rages on in Resistance 3</b></p> <p>Download the<b> </b><a href="http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/12/06/resistance-3-brutality-pack-smashes-onto-psn/" target="_blank">Resistance 3 Brutality Pack</a><b> </b>from PlayStation Store and team up with another player to take a stand against waves of Leeches, Grims and Leapers. Set within the Wales multiplayer map, you'll need to search for weapons, health and ammo in order to survive for as long as possible against the relentless Chimeran attack.</p> <p><b>Join the ranks of MI6 as James Bond</b></p> <p>Get a taste of the brand new missions that await you in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item395507/GoldenEye-007%E2%84%A2-Reloaded/" target="_self">GoldenEye 007: Reloaded</a> by downloading its explosive demo from PlayStation Store this weekend. Become Bond behind enemy lines as you infiltrate a chemical weapons compound in this action-packed taster of the epic PS3 spy saga.</p> <p><b>Great gaming gifts</b></p> <p>If you haven't already filled your loved ones' Christmas stockings with PlayStation goodies, check out our <a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item439987/Gaming-Gift-Guides-2011/" target="_self">festive gift guides</a> for some inspiration. Whether it's for a fighting fanatic, a radical racer or a fun-loving family member, we have the perfect PlayStation present for everyone.</p> <ul> <li>Keep an eye on <a href="http://blog.au.playstation.com" target="_blank">PlayStation.Blog</a> for the latest PlayStation news.</li> <li>Follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/PlayStationEU/?WT.mc_id= PDC_WE_twit" target="_blank">twitter.com/PlayStationEU</a>.</li> <li>Join in with a variety of activities on the Official PlayStation Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">facebook.com/PlayStationAU</a>.</li> <li>Join the conversation in the <a href="http://community.eu.playstation.com/playstationeu/?category.id=cANZ" target="_blank">official PlayStation Forums</a>.</li> <li>Visit <a href="https://store.playstation.com/login.gvm/?WT.mc_id=PDC_WE_reg" target="_blank">https://store.playstation.com/login.gvm</a> on PC to create a PSN account and opt in for email updates on PlayStation products and services.</li> </ul> <p>Keep up to date with all of the latest PlayStation Vita info and sign up to the latest news via email with <a href="https://secure.eu.playstation.com/registration/ngp-sign-up/" target="_blank">Inside PS Vita</a>. Head over to <a href="/psvita" target="_self">au.playstation.com/psvita</a> and become part of a gaming revolution.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp weekend, essentials, playstation, games, play, fun, favourites, top, round, up, round-up, picks, highlights, best, latest, new, releases, something, for, the, psn, network, store, blog, competition, win, prizes, ps3, 3, psp, forum, forums, competitions, official, home, goldeneye, james bond, bond, 007, need for speed, need for speed the run, the run, rainbow six, rainbow six vegas, dirt, dirt 3, dirt3, alice, alice madness returns, persona, person 2, corpse party, naruto, mickey's wild adventure, rally cross, ps one, resistance 3, resistance brutality pack, gta, gta 3, grand theft auto III, gta san andreas, san andreas, grand theft auto san andreas, gta vice city, vice city, grand theft auto vice city, swords of destiny, neo contra, contra, playstation 2, ps2 http://au.playstation.com/media/4LVUK0hN/161/WeekendEssentials_105.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Ar5vkmpY/161/GoldenEye%20007%20Reloaded_Dr%20No.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nmRFNgLC/161/GoldenEye%20007%20Reloaded_Max%20Zorin.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OJsr9-FR/161/GoldenEye%20007%20Reloaded_Odd%20Job%2001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ttxHEpaV/161/Amazing%20bosses%20battles2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/aKjJVV4s/161/Num02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OJ9ONKlJ/161/Amazing%20bosses%20battles3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/3E3bZ8ET/161/porsche_mclaren.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/pJmMwH0s/161/mclaren_mp4_12c.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/A80yALo3/161/mustang_2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/t09IHit1/161/R3_StLouis_Capelli_Hybrid_01.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/G9Qwz8p9/161/R3_StLouis_Hybrid_Drones.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zgw5kDbF/161/R3_StLouis_Widowmaker_02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/CEX6MOwL/161/ALICEMRgenSCRNvorpalBlade.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/o3yy92cV/161/ALICEMRgenSCRNthe_duel.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/41hY0Qn0/161/ALICEMRgenSCRNgiant_alice.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/2tcY9wd-/161/DiRT3_4-2-11_Screen_5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/lYJsmojS/161/DiRT3_Gym_6.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/trlF0Nih/161/DiRT3_Rally_4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/30184/161/tcrainbowsixvegas_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/30186/161/tcrainbowsixvegas_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/30190/161/tcrainbowsixvegas_sc008.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Ar5vkmpY/218/GoldenEye%20007%20Reloaded_Dr%20No.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nmRFNgLC/218/GoldenEye%20007%20Reloaded_Max%20Zorin.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OJsr9-FR/218/GoldenEye%20007%20Reloaded_Odd%20Job%2001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ttxHEpaV/218/Amazing%20bosses%20battles2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/aKjJVV4s/218/Num02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OJ9ONKlJ/218/Amazing%20bosses%20battles3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/3E3bZ8ET/218/porsche_mclaren.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/pJmMwH0s/218/mclaren_mp4_12c.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/A80yALo3/218/mustang_2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/t09IHit1/218/R3_StLouis_Capelli_Hybrid_01.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/G9Qwz8p9/218/R3_StLouis_Hybrid_Drones.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zgw5kDbF/218/R3_StLouis_Widowmaker_02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/CEX6MOwL/218/ALICEMRgenSCRNvorpalBlade.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/o3yy92cV/218/ALICEMRgenSCRNthe_duel.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/41hY0Qn0/218/ALICEMRgenSCRNgiant_alice.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/2tcY9wd-/218/DiRT3_4-2-11_Screen_5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/lYJsmojS/218/DiRT3_Gym_6.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/trlF0Nih/218/DiRT3_Rally_4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/30184/218/tcrainbowsixvegas_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/30186/218/tcrainbowsixvegas_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/30190/218/tcrainbowsixvegas_sc008.jpg 442953 442810 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item439987/Gaming-Gift-Guides-2011/?site_locale=en_AU Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:05:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item439987/Gaming-Gift-Guides-2011/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-12-05T12:05:00Z 2011-12-12T01:54:58Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item439987/Gaming-Gift-Guides-2011/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=439987 <p><b>PlayStation®3</b></p> <p><b><a href="/ps3" target="_self"></a><br /></b></p> <p>Breathtaking games for you and the whole family, incredible High Definition Blu-ray Disc™ movies, easy access to your favourite music, photos and the Internet - all on the big screen with <a href="/ps3" target="_self">PlayStation®3</a>. What else could you want on Christmas Day? Take yourself on a journey today and find out how this amazing entertainment system delivers something for everyone at only $349.95RRP (160GB) and $449.95RRP (320GB).</p> <p><b>PSP</b><b>®</b><b> (PlayStation</b><b>®</b><b>Portable) - E1000 model</b></p> <p><a href="/psp-e1000/" target="_self"></a></p> <p><a href="/psp-e1000/" target="_self">PSP-E1000</a> puts amazing portable entertainment in your hands without busting your wallet. The new PSP-E1000 is available in stores now for the pocket-friendly price of $139.95RRP and allows access to the entire PSP catalogue of games, including the fantastic library of <a href="/psp/news/articles/detail/item430333/Great-gaming-at-an-unbeatable-price/" target="_self">PSP Essentials</a> - a range of top PSP games available at a pocket-friendly price of $14.95RRP.</p> <p><b>PlayStation®Move</b></p> <p><a href="/psmove" target="_self"></a></p> <p>With the <a href="/psmove" target="_self">PlayStation Move</a> motion controller in your hand, start becoming the star of the show, the hero at the centre of the battle or the sportsman with the skills to make the opposition stop and stare. Get the <a href="/ps3/peripherals/detail/item303194/PlayStation®Move-Starter-Pack/" target="_self">PlayStation Move Starter Pack</a> now for $99.95RRP ahich comes with the PS Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera and a Blu-ray Disc sampler featuring nine dynamic demos.</p> <p><b>Action Games</b></p> <p><b><a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438750/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Action-Games/" target="_self"></a><br /></b></p> <p>Prepare yourself for a selection of <a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438750/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Action-Games/" target="_self">action games</a> on PlayStation that no diehard gamer should be without during the festive season.</p> <p><b>Blockbuster Games</b></p> <p><a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438520/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Blockbuster-Games/" target="_self"></a></p> <p>Make your festive season go with a big budget bang, thanks to a range of spectacular <a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438520/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Blockbuster-Games/" target="_self">blockbuster games</a> on PlayStation 3.</p> <p><b>Family Games</b></p> <p><a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438557/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Family-Games/" target="_self"></a></p> <p>Make this festive season extra special with a range of essential <a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438557/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Family-Games/" target="_self">family games</a> - courtesy of great PlayStation games that everyone can enjoy.</p> <p><b>Party Games</b></p> <p><a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438507/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Party-Games/" target="_self"></a></p> <p>Kick-start everyone's party this holiday season with some PlayStation 3 <a href="/home/news/articles/detail/item438507/Gaming-Gifts-2011-Party-Games/" target="_self">party games</a> that are guaranteed to get your family and friends in the festive spirit.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp,psvita http://au.playstation.com/media/vmHWSBov/161/Xmas2011_GiftGuides_feature.jpg 439987 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item373475/10-of-the-Best-Gaming-heroes/?site_locale=en_AU Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item373475/10-of-the-Best-Gaming-heroes/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-11-03T12:00:00Z 2011-11-09T04:27:43Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item373475/10-of-the-Best-Gaming-heroes/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=373475 <p><b>Nathan Drake</b></p> <p>Action man and explorer extraordinaire Nathan Drake has been on some epic adventures in his time. The star of the Uncharted series - exclusive to PlayStation - lives and breathes for life-threatening, pulse-pounding treasure hunts in some of the world's most exotic locations.</p> <p>Drake is once again sett to embark on a heroic expedition across Europe and the Middle East in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item328373/Uncharted-3-Drakes-Deception%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception</a> - a journey you won't want to miss out on in 2011.</p> <p><b>Kratos</b></p> <p>The mighty warrior started out on PlayStation 2 when he arrived in God of War to battle some of the most powerful creatures of ancient Greece, and he's never looked back.</p> <p>With an impressive list of PlayStation titles under his Spartan belt, Kratos has sought revenge on a whole host of treacherous Greek gods and loves nothing more than battling with three-headed beasts and monstrous sea beasts.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item155964/God-of-War%C2%AE-III/" target="_self">God of War III</a> and the <a href="/psn/games/detail/item271677/God-of-War%C2%AE-Collection/" target="_self">God of War Collection</a> are available on Blu-ray Disc, while the God of War Collection is available to download from PlayStation Store too along with his two outings on PSP - begin your quest for vengeance.</p> <p><b>John Marston</b></p> <p>Prepare to saddle up and roam the Wild West as betrayed cowboy John Marston in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item156327/Red-Dead-Redemption%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Red Dead Redemption</a> from Rockstar Games. Handy with a pistol and fuelled by rage, John is ready to hunt down a gang of brutal outlaws hiding throughout the vast terrain with guns, dynamite and his trusty lasso.</p> <p>Find wanted criminals, earn money and engage in epic gunfights in this enormous kingdom of cowboys on PlayStation 3.</p> <p><b>Ezio Auditore da Firenze</b></p> <p>This cunning killer made his debut on PlayStation 3 in the second title in the Assassin's Creed series - <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item157692/Assassins-Creed%E2%84%A2-II/" target="_self">Assassin's Creed II</a>. Ezio possesses amazing abilities that allow him to flourish within Renaissance Italy - he can scale walls, steal cash from civilians, spot enemies with his Eagle Vision and even recruit his own band of fellow assassins in the series' latest addition, <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item278815/Assassins-Creed%C2%AE-Brotherhood/" target="_self">Assassin's Creed Brotherhood</a>.</p> <p><b>Solid Snake</b></p> <p>Special operations soldier, spy and mercenary commando Solid Snake has spent most of his life in combat as the protagonist of the <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item99902/Metal-Gear-Solid%C2%AE-4-Guns-of-the-Patriots/" target="_self">Metal Gear Solid</a> series. Snake loves the thrill of the fight, and has battled with deadly military threats to keep the world safe before his own time is up.</p> <p>Solid Snake is a veteran of both the battlefield and PlayStation, and you can head to war with him now on PS3 and PSP in a range of titles.</p> <p><b>Lara Croft</b></p> <p>One of the most famous women in video games, British archaeologist Lara Croft needs little introduction. The globe-trotting star of the <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item367074/The-Tomb-Raider-Trilogy/" target="_self">Tomb Raider</a> series has launched investigations all over the planet in search of historical artefacts and the truth behind the world's great mysteries.</p> <p>Tomb Raider titles are available now on Blu-ray Disc and to download from PlayStation Store.</p> <p><b>Cole MacGrath</b></p> <p>Light or dark? Good or bad? These are the questions that reluctant superhero Cole MacGrath must ask himself as he acquires astonishing powers as the star of inFamous. In Empire City, Cole has the choice to terrify the city's residents or take revenge on criminals to protect innocent civilians.</p> <p>Soon, Cole will have to start making decisions again when <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item285792/inFamous-2/" target="_self">inFamous 2</a> releases on PlayStation 3 in 2011. How will you use the powers? The choice is yours.</p> <p><b>Lightning </b></p> <p>Former military leader Lightning is the main character in the action-packed <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item223650/FINAL-FANTASY-XIII/" target="_self">Final Fantasy XIII</a> on PS3. Armed with her Blazefire Saber and the ability to manipulate gravity, this mysterious woman is dedicated to rescuing her captured sister Serah, and will not rest until she finds her.</p> <p>Agile but deadly, Lightning is a force to be reckoned with.</p> <p><b>Ratchet</b></p> <p>A true PlayStation legend, Ratchet has been busting crime throughout the universe with his robotic buddy Clank for some time now in the Ratchet & Clank series. The heroic Lombax will once again be journeying to the depths of outer space in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item304531/Ratchet-Clank-All-4-One/" target="_self">Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One</a> in 2011, wielding tons of explosive weapons and keeping the galaxy safe.</p> <p>Prepare for an intergalactic adventure like never before on PlayStation 3.</p> <p><b>Sackboy</b></p> <p>The legendary Sackboy is the star of<b> </b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item278593/LittleBigPlanet%E2%84%A22/" target="_self">LittleBigPlanet</a><b> </b>and the inspiration for over four million user-created levels. This little guy has appeared on both PlayStation 3 and PSP, where users can build their own levels, characters and games with amazing tools and endless possibilities.</p> <p>With three amazing PlayStation titles, a thriving online community and unlimited creative capabilities, Sackboy has had a monumental influence on PlayStation fans worldwide.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp 10, of, the, best, totb, ten, uncharted, 3, nathan, drake, kratos, gow, god, of, war, red, dead, redemption, john, marston, assassin's, assassins, creed, ezio, solid, snake, metal, gear, solid, lara, croft, tomb, raider, cole, macgrath, mcgrath, infamous, 2, in, famous, lightning, ff xiii, final, fantasy, ff, ratchet, and, clank, &, all, 4, for, 1, one, sackboy, sack boy, lbp, little, big, planet, littlebigplanet http://au.playstation.com/media/29pTRDQR/161/Cole%20-%20Grind%2001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nuua80hC/161/5228Trilogy_SS_3_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/StkWTQqs/161/5224Trilogy_SS_16_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YL1iKtJD/161/5221Trilogy_SS_13_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/aypl0tq9/161/5226Trilogy_SS_1_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Dk1rAyQR/161/_home_secure_media_GDC_blogger_Kuo_Cole.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/PN_l54We/161/_home_secure_media_GDC_blogger_Nix.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YyMkUXUN/161/A4O_cinematic_02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/FmvTAWXd/161/A4O_cinematic_05.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OZc6nvCd/161/FBI%20Kuo%20-%2020.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/29pTRDQR/161/Cole%20-%20Grind%2001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/L5beE-kH/161/here%20we%20go.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/P6LPBUjo/161/plane%20crash.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/jhBBfLus/161/drake%20looking.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Aha562Qh/161/ACB_SP_S_09_RunningFromGunmen.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/m3yKE29K/161/ACB_SP_S_19_NavalCanon(2).jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zhrgJtC2/161/ACB_SP_S_05_GunCounterKill.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ar7nMHJ0/161/RedDeadRedemption_sc017.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/7rd1cNhd/161/RedDeadRedemption_sc023.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0DE3FTfI/161/RedDeadRedemption_sc024.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ctTbIWzo/161/RedDeadRedemption_sc030.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/R6qVZjOQ/161/ACRome_SP_S_02_Rome_ColliseumPassionPlay.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zlGj-AUB/161/GodOfWarCollection_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/GtX0fcDY/161/GodOfWarCollection_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/EGGfCM0b/161/Gaia02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/7NM1m7Mw/161/Gaia03.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/245097/161/MEGSPeaceWalker_sc006.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/245098/161/MEGSPeaceWalker_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/245096/161/MEGSPeaceWalker_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/242252/161/October_sc015.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/141661/161/finalfantasyxiii_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/141670/161/finalfantasyxiii_sc013.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nuua80hC/218/5228Trilogy_SS_3_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/StkWTQqs/218/5224Trilogy_SS_16_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YL1iKtJD/218/5221Trilogy_SS_13_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/aypl0tq9/218/5226Trilogy_SS_1_NW.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Dk1rAyQR/218/_home_secure_media_GDC_blogger_Kuo_Cole.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/PN_l54We/218/_home_secure_media_GDC_blogger_Nix.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YyMkUXUN/218/A4O_cinematic_02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/FmvTAWXd/218/A4O_cinematic_05.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OZc6nvCd/218/FBI%20Kuo%20-%2020.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/29pTRDQR/218/Cole%20-%20Grind%2001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/L5beE-kH/218/here%20we%20go.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/P6LPBUjo/218/plane%20crash.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/jhBBfLus/218/drake%20looking.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Aha562Qh/218/ACB_SP_S_09_RunningFromGunmen.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/m3yKE29K/218/ACB_SP_S_19_NavalCanon(2).jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zhrgJtC2/218/ACB_SP_S_05_GunCounterKill.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ar7nMHJ0/218/RedDeadRedemption_sc017.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/7rd1cNhd/218/RedDeadRedemption_sc023.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0DE3FTfI/218/RedDeadRedemption_sc024.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ctTbIWzo/218/RedDeadRedemption_sc030.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/R6qVZjOQ/218/ACRome_SP_S_02_Rome_ColliseumPassionPlay.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zlGj-AUB/218/GodOfWarCollection_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/GtX0fcDY/218/GodOfWarCollection_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/EGGfCM0b/218/Gaia02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/7NM1m7Mw/218/Gaia03.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/245097/218/MEGSPeaceWalker_sc006.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/245098/218/MEGSPeaceWalker_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/245096/218/MEGSPeaceWalker_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/242252/218/October_sc015.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/141661/218/finalfantasyxiii_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/141670/218/finalfantasyxiii_sc013.jpg 373475 373410 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item423038/GTA-III-turns-10/?site_locale=en_AU Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:02:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item423038/GTA-III-turns-10/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-10-20T01:02:00Z 2011-10-21T06:47:09Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item423038/GTA-III-turns-10/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=423038 <p>10 years ago, <a href="http://www.rockstargames.com/" target="_blank">Rockstar Games</a> released the revolutionary open-world epic <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item34442/Grand-Theft-Auto-3/" target="_self">Grand Theft Auto III</a> on PlayStation®2 - a game that set players loose as a small-time criminal at the bottom of the food chain in Liberty City, a sprawling metropolis where anything can happen - and probably will.</p> <p>With stellar voice acting, a darkly comic storyline, a stunning soundtrack and revolutionary open-world gameplay, Grand Theft Auto III was a landmark moment in popular culture.</p> <p>The tale of a small-time criminal set loose in Liberty City, a sprawling metropolis where anything could happen, Grand Theft Auto III was the frontrunner of a new genre: the non-linear, open-world 3D game. It also marked a turning point in the evolution of videogames into a bonafide entertainment phenomenon.</p> <p>To commemorate the game's 10th anniversary, Rockstar Games has put together a Grand Theft Auto III 10 year anniversary video. We hope you enjoy!</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2 gta3, gta 3, iii, rockstar games, ps2, playstation 2, http://au.playstation.com/media/-TLBK8IA/161/gta3_10year_videofeaturedimage.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/qzE_6fOS/gta3_10year_anniversary.flv 423038 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item420542/Developer-spotlight-Rocksteady-Studios/?site_locale=en_AU Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:35:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item420542/Developer-spotlight-Rocksteady-Studios/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-10-18T12:35:00Z 2011-10-20T02:15:31Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item420542/Developer-spotlight-Rocksteady-Studios/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=420542 <p><a href="http://www.rocksteadyltd.com/" target="_blank">Rocksteady Studios</a> has three highly rated games under its belt, each one gathering more critical acclaim than the last - a sterling achievement for a company only founded in 2004. Find out how the London based developer worked its way up to the heady heights of <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item323781/Batman-Arkham-City™/" target="_self">Batman: Arkham City</a>.</p> <p><b>Urban Chaos</b> <b>(PlayStation 2, 2006)</b></p> <p></p> <p>Rocksteady's first title was a well received first person shooter on PS2. <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item35814/Urban-Chaos/" target="_self">Urban Chaos</a> saw you control an elite member of the emergency services, defending an American city from the notorious Burners gang.</p> <p>With the anarchy of gang violence erupting all around you, Urban Chaos wasn't just about blasting your way to peace; you had to work with rescue crews such as firemen, solve puzzles and save civilians. And while you had the option to use lethal force, the game encouraged using weapons that stunned rioters so you could interrogate them later.</p> <p></p> <p>Sound a bit familiar? Some of these gameplay elements were the seeds that would eventually flourish in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item152483/Batman%E2%84%A2-Arkham-Asylum/" target="_self">Batman: Arkham Asylum</a>. If you ever wanted to know where some of the core concepts for the game came from, look no further than Urban Chaos.</p> <p>"There was a very personal connection between the player and the characters you met in Urban Chaos, and we ended up using that in Batman: Arkham Asylum," reveals marketing manager, Dax Ginn. "You didn't just save people, you also got to know them, and there were recurring characters who would stick with you or return later on. So that was a critical part of the emotional contact we built in the game.</p> <p>"There was always a sense of giving Urban Chaos's characters a meaningful role in the game's experience, and it's the same in our Batman games. When you look back at those mechanics, they have their roots in Urban Chaos."</p> <p><b>Batman: Arkham Asylum (PlayStation 3, 2009)</b></p> <p></p> <p>Rocksteady took its time unleashing what would end up being an award-winning action adventure that changed the way DC Comics' world famous caped crusader was seen in video games.</p> <p>Fittingly, many of Rocksteady's 90-strong staff were already big comic book fans before being offered the chance to create a Batman game. "I used to work in a games shop that had a comic book section I was in charge of," smiles Jamie Walker, studio director and co-owner of Rocksteady. "The opportunity to work on Batman was enormous for us. And I don't think we felt anything but excitement."</p> <p>"Like all good things in life, <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item152483/Batman%E2%84%A2-Arkham-Asylum/" target="_self">Batman: Arkham Asylum</a> came to us completely unexpectedly," recounts Ginn. "We were given the opportunity to present ideas for a Batman game, and what we came up with was pretty crazy and innovative."</p> <p>It was these radical ideas that ended up being a fundamental part of what made Arkham Asylum so successful - exploring the detective and psychological aspects of Batman instead of just the high-impact action which previous titles had focused on.</p> <p></p> <p>"Those ideas - that ended up being things like the Detective Mode visor and the Scarecrow boss battle - excited us," says Ginn. "And I think that's what Eidos, Warner Bros and DC Comics all saw in our proposal. We took a lot of risks in exploring Batman in a way which hadn't really been touched on before in games, and I think they paid off."</p> <p>The result was an instant classic, which succeeded in Rocksteady's goal to make you feel like you were the Dark Knight. Brilliantly measured combat, varied gameplay and atmosphere that drenched you in the shadowy world of Gotham's most frightening house made it a favourite with Bat-fans and gamers alike. Which meant any sequel had a superhero sized job to top it...</p> <p><b>Batman: Arkham City (PS3, 2011)</b></p> <p></p> <p>With expectations sky-high, the pressure to reach the quality bar set by Arkham Asylum was immense. Rather than run from this challenge, Rocksteady heroically came out batarangs blazing with an open city full of crime that Batman could explore - a massive change from the relative confines of the previous game.</p> <p>"Arkham Asylum was a very tight, story-driven game," says Walker. "And to try and keep that same tight focus and offer the freedom to explore the city... it's a huge challenge, especially for a studio which has never really built an open world game."</p> <p>It was a big obstacle - however, just like Batman, Rocksteady had a cunning plan up its collective sleeve. "A lot of what makes Batman interesting is his relationship with villains such as Joker and Two-Face," explains Walker. "How they draw you through the story is what keeps you wanting to find out what happens next, and being in a big city doesn't really change that.</p> <p></p> <p>"So we made sure each thing you do is about meeting a new character or personality in some way. And we also put lots of supporting stories in the world - and all of the people in Arkham City are all talking about events there. So we're constantly drawing you back into the story."</p> <p>It's a move worthy of DC Comics' greatest detective, especially considering Rocksteady never started out intending to make a game as big as <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item323781/Batman-Arkham-City%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Batman: Arkham City</a>. And it's a gamble which paid off. Bigger, badder and better, Arkham City smashes all expectations. And like its brooding hero perched above it all, Rocksteady is poised for the world's reaction.</p> <p>"We've given everything we've got for this game," says Ginn. "It feels exactly the way we wanted it to feel. When gamers play it they'll see that effort. That's when that feeling of satisfaction will really come home for Rocksteady.</p> <p></p> <p>"We're huge Batman fans and want to do what's right for the characters. To be part of this massive franchise is great, but to know there's a little corner of it that's ours - that feels special."</p> <p>Want to become the Dark Knight? Make sure you buy <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item323781/Batman-Arkham-City%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Batman: Arkham City</a> for PS3 on Blu-ray Disc from 19 October 2011. The game is classified M by the <a href="http://www.classification.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Classification Board</a> and contains violence.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2 ps3, playstation3, guide, exclusive, developer, studio, profile, spotlight, work, working, industry, video, games, rocksteady, studios, batman, arkham, city, asylum, joker, catwoman, penguin, bane, scarecrow, dc, comics, warner, bros, graphic novel, books http://au.playstation.com/media/Xx0Fy___/161/021_CW%20Large.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YCTIYImi/161/BatmanArkhamCity_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vO_5196a/161/BatmanArkhamCity_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YK8c_GJ7/161/joker_imagen.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0js00bFq/161/BatmanArkhamCity_Screen_083-quikbatclaw.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zYQJ9HA4/161/BatmanArkhamCity_Screen_076.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ukthe5kl/161/BatmanArkhamCity_129%20Riddler.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/92uKSjCA/161/BatmanArkhamCity_Screen_088_Gargoyle_G_Hi_Res.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/bZqEgKiD/161/057_RiddlerBackTVs.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/8H3KoRT5/161/053%20Rescue.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zDoB0iA2/161/065%20Magma.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/pmnXLU1J/161/072%20SteelMill_HighRes.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YMQRz2_p/161/055_JokerLieutenant1_HighRes.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0KBRd5pZ/161/062%20Joker.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Vi3bChto/161/071%20Chimneys.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Xx0Fy___/161/021_CW%20Large.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/154152/161/Joker_Highres.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/153572/161/1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/153574/161/5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/29753/161/urbanchaos_sc006.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/29754/161/urbanchaos_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YCTIYImi/218/BatmanArkhamCity_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vO_5196a/218/BatmanArkhamCity_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YK8c_GJ7/218/joker_imagen.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0js00bFq/218/BatmanArkhamCity_Screen_083-quikbatclaw.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zYQJ9HA4/218/BatmanArkhamCity_Screen_076.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/ukthe5kl/218/BatmanArkhamCity_129%20Riddler.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/92uKSjCA/218/BatmanArkhamCity_Screen_088_Gargoyle_G_Hi_Res.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/bZqEgKiD/218/057_RiddlerBackTVs.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/8H3KoRT5/218/053%20Rescue.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zDoB0iA2/218/065%20Magma.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/pmnXLU1J/218/072%20SteelMill_HighRes.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YMQRz2_p/218/055_JokerLieutenant1_HighRes.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0KBRd5pZ/218/062%20Joker.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Vi3bChto/218/071%20Chimneys.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Xx0Fy___/218/021_CW%20Large.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/154152/218/Joker_Highres.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/153572/218/1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/153574/218/5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/29753/218/urbanchaos_sc006.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/29754/218/urbanchaos_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/H4rNLnEo/404/Batman_Arkham_2_EFISD.flv http://au.playstation.com/media/159633/404/Batman_Arkham_Asylum%20_Play_As_Joker_720p_en.flv 420542 419916 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item420384/Sony-Foundations-Wharf4Ward-event-raises-%24550%2C000-for-youth-cancer/?site_locale=en_AU Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:29:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item420384/Sony-Foundations-Wharf4Ward-event-raises-%24550%2C000-for-youth-cancer/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-10-14T07:29:00Z 2011-10-14T08:01:59Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item420384/Sony-Foundations-Wharf4Ward-event-raises-%24550%2C000-for-youth-cancer/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=420384 <p>The star-studded event raised a staggering $550,000 for Sony Foundation's charity campaign - <a href="http://youcan.org.au/" target="_blank">You Can</a> - to build specialised youth cancer wards across Australia.</p> <p>Sony Music artists including Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Mark Vincent, Stan Walker and Tim Freedman rocked the wharf and guests were also treated to a special performance from the X Factor finalists.</p> <p>The event was hosted by supporters from each major network: Channel Seven's Samantha Armytage and Andrew O'Keefe, Nine Network's Peter Overton and Natalie Gruzlewski, and Network Ten's Natarsha Belling and Dr Andrew Rochford. The Live Auction was hosted by a charismatic David Koch.</p> <p>Other noted guests included Jodi Gordon and Braith Anasta, Ronan Keating, Melissa Doyle, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Dennis Lillee, Nikki Phillips, Charlotte Dawson, Tom Williams, Lizzy Lovette, Danny Clayton and Steve Waugh.</p> <p>Sophie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Foundation Australia, said: "Wharf4Ward was more than just a fabulous day of food and entertainment, most importantly the 800 guests in attendance helped raise a staggering $550,000 for Sony Foundation's 'You Can' campaign to help young Australians survive cancer. This money will make a measurable difference to the lives of young Australians with cancer".</p> <p>Guests enjoyed a sparkling Chandon reception followed by lunch at some of Sydney's most celebrated restaurants: Aki's, China Doll, Manta, Otto Ristorante and Kingsley's Steak & Crabhouse. The party continued into the evening at the Rocking Angel Bourbon After Party at Blue Hotel's Water Bar.</p> <p><b>Learn more about <a href="http://www.sonyfoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Sony Foundation Australia</a>.</b></p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp,psvita Wharf4Ward, sony foundation, youth cancer, Sony Music, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Mark Vincent, Stan Walker, Tim Freedman, charity, you can, Channel Seven, Samantha Armytage, Andrew O'Keefe, Nine Network, Peter Overton, Natalie Gruzlewski, Network Ten, Natarsha Belling, Dr Andrew Rochford, David Koch, Jodi Gordon, Braith Anasta, Ronan Keating, Melissa Doyle, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Dennis Lillee, Nikki Phillips, Charlotte Dawson, Tom Williams, Lizzy Lovette, Danny Clayton, Steve Waugh, Sophie Ryan, X Factor http://au.playstation.com/media/Hb8_bi5a/161/sonywharf4ward_2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/hvc4jEi8/161/sonywharf4ward_3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Hb8_bi5a/161/sonywharf4ward_2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/eW6iKTCT/161/sonywharf4ward_1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/pCVWScKA/161/sonywharf4ward_5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/PprDoXMb/161/sonywharf4ward_6.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/5b3qSoEo/161/sonywharf4ward_4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Khzk88FU/161/sonywharf4ward_7.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/hvc4jEi8/218/sonywharf4ward_3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Hb8_bi5a/218/sonywharf4ward_2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/eW6iKTCT/218/sonywharf4ward_1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/pCVWScKA/218/sonywharf4ward_5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/PprDoXMb/218/sonywharf4ward_6.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/5b3qSoEo/218/sonywharf4ward_4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Khzk88FU/218/sonywharf4ward_7.jpg 420384 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item265806/God-of-War-The-story-so-far/?site_locale=en_AU Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:05:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item265806/God-of-War-The-story-so-far/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-09-26T00:05:00Z 2011-09-26T03:19:38Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item265806/God-of-War-The-story-so-far/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=265806 <p><b>In the beginning</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>Set halfway through Kratos's ten years of service to the gods, we start the mighty Spartan's journey in <a href="/psp/games/detail/item78083/God-of-War%C2%AE-Chains-of-Olympus/" target="_self">God of War: Chains of Olympus</a>, available on PSP and also in <a href="/psn/games/detail/item376621/God-of-War%C2%AE-Collection-Volume-II/" target="_self">God of War Collection Volume II</a> on PlayStation 3. In this bloodstained beginning, Kratos seeks absolution from the sins of his past after being deceived into murdering his wife and child by Ares. Now, a champion to the gods, he must embark on brutal crusades that have become the stories of legend in the ancient world.</p> <p>However, when the world is plunged into eternal darkness and the gods are rendered powerless after the sun god, Helios, disappears, Kratos is tasked with retrieving him in a bid to break Morpheus's stranglehold over the other gods and Earth itself. Along the way he journeys to lands no mortal has ever walked upon and, before he reaches the end of his task, he must choose between personal redemption and saving the world from obliteration.</p> <p>In Chains of Olympus, Kratos will have to face all manner of foes including the Persian King, a hulking foe leading his army of warriors into battle against the city of Attica; Charon, the ferryman of the underworld and the Basilisk, a gargantuan lizard-like monster summoned by the Persians to conquer Greece.</p> <p>Start at the beginning with God of War: Chains of Olympus, available on PSP and in God of War Collection Volume II on PS3.</p> <p><b>At war with the God of War </b></p> <p></p> <p>Opening on the highest cliff top in Greece, <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item35983/God-of-War/" target="_self">God of War</a> originally released on PlayStation 2 is told through a series of flashbacks. It's here in God of War that we discover the origins of Kratos' unstoppable arsenal, the Blades of Chaos; mighty weapons forged in the pits of Hades and handed to him by Ares in a bid to carry out his orders of destruction.</p> <p>The story begins in Athens where Kratos battles the three-headed monster, Hydra, before embarking on a bloody mission for Athena who wants him to stop Ares and save her city from defeat. In order to do this Kratos must set out on a journey to track down Pandora's Box, which grants any mortal who possesses it, the power to defeat a god. Unfortunately, the box has been locked deep within Pandora's Temple located on the back of the Titan, Cronos, who has been cursed by Zeus to wander the Desert of Lost Souls for all eternity.</p> <p>As he battle minions and faces some of the most enormous bosses ever conjured on PlayStation, Kratos uncovers mysteries surrounding his true origins and eventually comes face to face with Ares in a bloody battle to the death before being crowned the new God of War by Athena.</p> <p>Download God of War from PlayStation Store now.</p> <p><b>Blood brothers </b></p> <p></p> <p>Playable on PSP and in God of War Collection Volume II on PS3, <a href="/psn/games/detail/item277614/God-of-War-Ghost-of-Sparta/" target="_self">God of War: Ghost of Sparta</a> is the next brutal chapter in the epic saga. Set after the events of the blockbuster God of War on PlayStation 2, Kratos has taken his place amongst the Olympians as the God of War. Ares has been crushed, Olympus beckons but Kratos finds himself still haunted by the visions of his mortal past. However, as images of his brother Deimos and mother Callisto flash vividly before his eyes, Kratos feels that these are more than just visions. After all, with the gods, nothing is ever as it seems.</p> <p>Setting out on a journey to the city of Atlantis in search of the Temple of Poseidon, Kratos encounters the monstrous sea creature Scylla. Having battled the beast, he eventually reaches his mother, lying on a bed, weakened and close to death. It is here at this moment in time that Kratos finally discovers his father's true identity and begins his bloody quest to find his long-lost brother, Deimos.</p> <p>Uncover the true story behind Kratos's tragic past and his meteoric rise to a seat on Mount Olympus in God of War: Ghost of Sparta - available on PSP and in God of War Collection Volume II on PS3.</p> <p><b>Defy the Gods and alter the past </b></p> <p></p> <p>In God of War Kratos was but a mortal warrior who set out on a quest to dethrone Ares. Succeeding, he was handed the mantle of God of War by Athena, but his journey didn't end there. In <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item36764/God-of-War%C2%AE-II/" target="_self">God of War II</a> released on PlayStation 2, Kratos sits atop his throne on Olympus, raging battles with far more brutality than that of his predecessor. Opening on a huge scale battle in Rhodes in which he battles the Colossus of Rhodes, Kratos is stripped of his powers by Zeus because he fears he may suffer the very same fate as Ares.</p> <p>Slain and cast down to an eternity of torment in Hades Kratos is rescued by Gaia, the mother of the Titans, who offers him a deal. Help the Titans destroy the gods by locating the Sisters of Fate on the Island of Creation to alter his past and crush Zeus. As Kratos embarks on this perilous journey through mythical lands he will come face to face with ancient legends including the magical horse, Pegasus, the Titan Typhon and Prometheus and Atlas, a Titan he'll meet for the second time after his brief appearance in God of War: Chains of Olympus on PSP.</p> <p>At the end of his journey he will not only alter the course of history and strike fear into the hearts of gods, but also bring forth the Titans from the Great War - where they suffered an agonising defeat - through the power of the Loom of Fate, a device which allows him to travel back in time. And when this tale comes to an end at the base of Mount Olympus another shall begin...</p> <p>Download God of War II from PlayStation Store today.</p> <p><b>The beginning of the end</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item155964/God-of-War%C2%AE-III/" target="_self">God of War III</a> on PlayStation 3 sees the Spartan warrior, Kratos, embark on the final chapter of his journey to wreak vengeance on Mount Olympus - the legendary home of the Greek gods.</p> <p>With a little help from Gaia, the mother of the Titans, Kratos lays siege to Zeus' temple and destroys everything in his path. Together with an impressive army of imposing Titans, his goal is simple - scale the vast mountain, battle Zeus' army of the undead and crush the gods once and for all.</p> <p>Unleash your vengeance now with God of War III on PlayStation 3.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp god of war, kratos, god of war II, god of war III, zeus, ares, war, blades of chaos, psp, playstation 2, chains of Olympus, titans, gods, Pegasus, gaia, atlas, typhon, Prometheus, pandora's box, pandora's temple, Athena, helios, ps3, playstation 3, ps2, collection, volume, http://au.playstation.com/media/XaWR6phF/161/GodOfWar2_FEaturedImage.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/W640y8rw/161/GOWGOS_gamescom%20screenshot%205.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vkLpngos/161/GOW_GOS_Screen_004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/i1RpKq0Q/161/GOW_GOS_Screen_008.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zvvd0LNS/161/03%20copy.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/238213/161/GodOfWar3_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/238209/161/GodOfWar3_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/238210/161/GodOfWar3_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/159110/161/godofwar3_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/101999/161/eos_cave_highres_05.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/97268/161/premios_hobby_image3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71089/161/gowcoo_sc011.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71104/161/gowcoo_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71191/161/godofwar2_render001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71192/161/godofwar2_render002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71193/161/godofwar2_render003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60444/161/gow2_barbarian_mercenary.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60445/161/gow2_cerebus.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60446/161/gow2_cursedremains.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60447/161/gow2_cyclops_berserker.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60448/161/gow2_titan_minotaur.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/W640y8rw/218/GOWGOS_gamescom%20screenshot%205.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vkLpngos/218/GOW_GOS_Screen_004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/i1RpKq0Q/218/GOW_GOS_Screen_008.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/zvvd0LNS/218/03%20copy.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/238213/218/GodOfWar3_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/238209/218/GodOfWar3_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/238210/218/GodOfWar3_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/159110/218/godofwar3_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/101999/218/eos_cave_highres_05.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/97268/218/premios_hobby_image3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71089/218/gowcoo_sc011.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71104/218/gowcoo_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71191/218/godofwar2_render001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71192/218/godofwar2_render002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/71193/218/godofwar2_render003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60444/218/gow2_barbarian_mercenary.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60445/218/gow2_cerebus.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60446/218/gow2_cursedremains.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60447/218/gow2_cyclops_berserker.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/60448/218/gow2_titan_minotaur.jpg 265806 265640 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item411185/10-of-the-Best-PlayStation-pack-designs/?site_locale=en_AU Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item411185/10-of-the-Best-PlayStation-pack-designs/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-09-22T12:00:00Z 2011-09-26T05:58:24Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item411185/10-of-the-Best-PlayStation-pack-designs/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=411185 <p>Don't judge a book by its cover, they say, and the same goes for video games. Yet what you see on the front of the box will often leave a strong first impression - and no game proves this more stylishly than <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item328042/Resistance-3%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Resistance 3</a>.</p> <p>To celebrate its release, we've rounded up some of the most striking examples of PlayStation pack art.   </p> <p><b>Resistance 3</b></p> <p></p> <p>Talented British artist Olly Moss has cleverly used Manhattan's famous skyline to reflect the shift away from a traditional military shooter to a story of survival at all costs. The stark approach has gone down a storm with fans, thanks in part to Olly's love of video games.</p> <p>"When I met with [developer] <a href="http://www.insomniacgames.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Games</a> about this project, they asked me if I was familiar with video games and I just laughed," Olly recalls. "I'm definitely a gamer first and a designer second! It was a challenge and I have a massive new appreciation for pack art designers."</p> <p>Clap your eyes on the unique art and hard-hitting gameplay of <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item328042/Resistance-3%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Resistance 3</a> on PlayStation 3 today.</p> <p><b>Shadow of the Colossus</b></p> <p></p> <p>Isolation in the face of towering odds is a central theme in PlayStation 2 classic <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item36260/Shadow-of-the-Colossus/" target="_self">Shadow of the Colossus</a>, and that comes through loud and clear in this dramatic cover. "I wanted to make it look mystical, eerie and timeless - just some of the many qualities the game has," Sony Computer Entertainment Europe designer Steve O'Neill tells us. "I'm very proud of this pack. Designing it was like working on an oil painting."</p> <p>Revisit the game's dreamlike splendour as part of <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item383484/ICO-Shadow-of-the-Colossus-Classics-HD/" target="_self">ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Classics HD</a>, available on PS3 from 29th September 2011.</p> <p><b>Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake</b></p> <p></p> <p>"I like the madcap energy of this pack, the vibrant colours, the two sides about to clash into one another and the funny little princesses," says SCEE designer Steve O'Neill. "It does what it says on the pack." He's right - the art perfectly depicts the raw mayhem running through the game, with weaponised baked goods and the kidnapping of outsized royalty forming the bedrock of the action.</p> <p>You can try it for yourself by picking up <a href="/psp/games/detail/item156538/Fat-Princess-Fistful-of-Cake%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake</a> on PSP.</p> <p><b>Assassin's Creed II</b></p> <p></p> <p>You might think a man in a white robe would be an unexciting subject for punchy pack design. SCEE designer Umesh Mistry disagrees, however. He had no involvement with <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item157692/Assassins-Creed%E2%84%A2-II/" target="_self">Assassin's Creed II</a>, but he admires the effect it conveys. "My preference for pack designs tends to be simple imagery, just like this one," Umesh points out.</p> <p>Discover how the murky plots of Assassin's Creed II contrast with its clean artwork by downloading it to PS3 from PlayStation Store.</p> <p><b>Medal of Honor</b></p> <p></p> <p>Look at the cover art for <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item266590/Medal-of-Honor%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Medal of Honor</a> and you'll get an immediate sense of what lies ahead: gritty, night-time warfare and secret missions shrouded in denial. It's a war game with a difference, not least because its main character looks more like a pirate than a special forces operative.</p> <p>Go deep into enemy territory in Medal of Honor on PS3 and see the world in shades of grey.</p> <p><b>The Shoot</b></p> <p></p> <p>Of <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item268416/The-Shoot/" target="_self">The Shoot</a>, the game which puts you and a <a href="/ps3/peripherals/detail/item303956/PlayStation%C2%AEMove-motion-controller/" target="_self">PlayStation Move motion controller</a> under the spotlight of a movie set, SCEE cover art designer Steve O'Neill says: "I wanted to create a kind of fun arcade look that didn't take itself too seriously and which had bags of energy. Great fun to work on."</p> <p>Just as much fun to play, too. Don't wait for the director's call - get in on the action now with The Shoot on PS3.</p> <p><b>MotorStorm Apocalypse</b></p> <p></p> <p>Racing at the end of the world is emblazoned all over the front of this high-octane pack, and you'll know what you'll be facing when you line up on the starting grid. Notice the little details: the chip in the visor, explosions all over the track and stray wheels hurtling through the air.</p> <p>Brave the carnage yourself by picking up <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item284959/MotorStorm%C2%AE-Apocalypse/" target="_self">MotorStorm Apocalypse</a>, now available on PS3 as part of the <a href="/ps3/news/articles/detail/item409844/New-Platinum-titles-arrive-on-PS3/" target="_self">Platinum range</a>.</p> <p><b>Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots</b></p> <p></p> <p>Stealth hero Solid Snake's bizarre premature ageing made for a standout cover image even by the high standards of the Metal Gear Solid series, with the deep lines creasing Snake's face hinting at the fine web of lies and intrigue underpinning this epic espionage adventure.</p> <p>See if you can untangle it for yourself by playing <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item99902/Metal-Gear-Solid%C2%AE-4-Guns-of-the-Patriots/" target="_self">Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots</a>, only on PS3.</p> <p><b>The Club</b></p> <p></p> <p>Another favourite of SCEE designer Umesh Mistry is this minimalist effort from SEGA for its shooter, <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item91036/The-Club%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">The Club</a>. "Key features from the game and showcasing the characters in interesting compositions make for winning game pack art," he tells us. SEGA has carried that off here, nailing the underground feel of the game with this graffiti effect.</p> <p>Join The Club on PS3 - membership requirements are sharp eyes and a quick trigger finger.</p> <p><b>Castlevania: Symphony of the Night</b></p> <p></p> <p>"One of my favourite covers is the very old PS one title <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-ps3-psp.html" target="_blank">Castlevania: Symphony of the Night</a>, primarily because of the Ayami Kojima illustrations," SCEE designer Mike Alder says of the classic Konami game. With its shadowy artwork, you'll feel like you're peering into a tomb even before the vampire action begins...</p> <p>Iconic imagery on the front of a box is a mere taster for the wonders that await in all these PlayStation experiences. You can pick all of these games up in-store now, and be sure to check PlayStation Store from your PS3 system for downloadable titles.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp ps3, ps, 3, playstation, playstation3, game, games, art, artist, buy, latest, newest, 2011, resistance, olly, moss, shadow, of, the, colossus, ico, fat, princess, fistful, cake, assassin's, assassins, creed, ii, 2, medal, honor, honour, shoot, move, motion, controller, motorstorm, motor, storm, apocalypse, metal, gear, solid, 4, guns, patriots, mgs4, solid, snake, club, sega, shooter, stealth, racer, castlevania http://au.playstation.com/media/NPRaghuo/161/Resistance3_ftr.jpg 411185 410843 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item409914/10-of-the-Best-Gaming-villains/?site_locale=en_AU Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item409914/10-of-the-Best-Gaming-villains/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-09-13T17:00:00Z 2011-09-15T04:41:58Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item409914/10-of-the-Best-Gaming-villains/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=409914 <p>Everybody loves a good villain - which is your favourite? Take a look at our tribute to ten of the most popular bad guys on PlayStation, as selected by the official PlayStation community.</p> <p><b>1.</b><b> Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII - PS one</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>A ruthless and cold-hearted warrior, Sephiroth is the main villain from one of the most memorable and popular role-playing games in video game history. Known for his heartbreakingly murderous acts in Final Fantasy VII, Square Enix's katana wielding maniac struck fear into the hearts of many.</p> <p>Fancy taking on Sephiroth? Download PS one Classic <a href="/psn/games/detail/item160646/FINAL-FANTASY%C2%AE-VII/" target="_self">Final Fantasy VII</a> from PlayStation Store now.</p> <p><b>2. Psycho Mantis - Metal Gear Solid - PS one</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>"Psycho Mantis was one of the most original bosses I ever fought. The way his psychic powers made your DUALSHOCK controller vibrate was unforgettable." (Jorge)</p> <p>Few villains are as inventive and surprising as Psycho Mantis. His control over the human mind is so great that he can even reveal the games you've played on your PS one.</p> <p>Psycho Mantis is unbeatable by regular methods, leaving you with a uniquely ingenious way to defeat him. We won't spoil the secret here - play the game in the forthcoming <a href="/ps3/news/articles/detail/item386448/MGS-remastered-in-HD/" target="_self">Metal Gear HD Collection</a> on PlayStation 3 and try for yourself... </p> <p><b>3.</b><b> </b><b>Albert Wesker - Resident Evil series - PS one, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 </b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>Once the unflappable captain of Raccoon City Police task force S.T.A.R.S, Wesker's hunger for power led him to betray his team. Injecting himself with a virus that gives him superhuman powers, Wesker has developed into the Resident Evil series' most persistent baddie. His arrogant and overconfident demeanour makes him the ultimate villain you love to hate.</p> <p>You can wipe the grin off Wesker's face by playing <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item305336/Resident-Evil-5-Gold-Edition/" target="_self">Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition</a> on PS3.</p> <p><b>4.</b><b> </b><b>Dr Neo Cortex - Crash Bandicoot - PS one</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>"Dr Neo Cortex was definitely the coolest enemy of all PlayStation games." (Hussain)</p> <p>Conquering the world isn't easy - just ask Dr Neo Cortex, the Crash Bandicoot series' evil scientist. He may be a warped, bitter and twisted genius, but don't be too hard on the good doctor - he did create the loveable marsupial Crash Bandicoot, after all.</p> <p>Give Dr Neo Cortex what for by downloading PS one Classic <a href="/psn/games/detail/item361461/Crash-Bandicoot%C2%AE/" target="_self">Crash Bandicoot</a> from PlayStation Store.</p> <p><b>5. </b><b>Dr Nefarious - Ratchet & Clank series - PS2, PS3</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>Sticking with mad scientists, Dr Nefarious is known for being the robotic thorn in Ratchet and Clank's sides. Originally the enemy of egomaniac Captain Qwark, Nefarious turned his evil gaze to our intergalactic heroes after they thwarted him in Ratchet & Clank 3.</p> <p>You can find out how it's sometimes good to be bad by controlling Dr Nefarious later in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item304531/Ratchet-Clank-All-4-One/" target="_self">Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One</a> on PlayStation 3, launching late 2011.</p> <p><b>6. </b><b>Nemesis - Resident Evil 3: Nemesis - PS one </b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>"Nemesis freaked me out every time. He popped out of nowhere..." (Christian)</p> <p>Capcom's survival horror series took a terrifying new slant when Resident Evil 3: Nemesis was released in 2000. While all Resident Evil games featured monstrous foes, this was the first title that unleashed a horrific boss which followed you across areas: Nemesis.</p> <p>Nemesis could run, use rocket launchers and even dodge your attacks, making him one of the most relentless villains you'll face in video games.</p> <p><b>7. Zoran Lazarević - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - PS3</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>A former Soviet intelligence officer turned international warlord and arms dealer, Lazarević is the perfect villain to play off the Uncharted series' hero Nathan Drake. While Drake is dashing and light-hearted, Lazarević is a scarred and merciless monster. His quest for the legendary Cintamani Stone results in an unforgettable battle.</p> <p>Go toe-to-toe with Lazarević if you dare - play <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item144532/Uncharted-2-Among-Thieves%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Uncharted 2: Among Thieves</a> on PS3.</p> <p><b>8.</b><b> Zeus - God of War III - PS3 </b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>"Zeus really did his best to make you hate him - the scale of the battles in God of War is still unmatched in any other game!" (QuyTam)</p> <p>King of the Greek gods, Zeus is the all-seeing deity of the God of War series - and one of the main reasons the fearsome Kratos is so angry. Zeus's pride and paranoia create several confrontations with the ash-covered anti-hero throughout the series, concluding in an earth-shattering battle in God of War III. Truly a clash of the titans.</p> <p>You can find out why Kratos is so furious with Zeus by downloading <a href="/psn/games/detail/item376621/God-of-War%C2%AE-Collection-Volume-II/" target="_self">God of War Collection Volume II</a> from PlayStation Store on 29 September 2011.</p> <p><b>9.</b><b> Kessler - inFamous - PS3</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>"Kessler is my favourite. He's not evil and has reasons for what he does, but you still hate him." (Nathan)</p> <p>The mysterious Kessler leads The First Sons, a secret society from Empire City dedicated to improving humanity with superhuman powers. Playing as Cole MacGrath, you'll encounter Kessler many times before discovering the devastating secret he hides beneath his shadowy cloak.</p> <p>Find out what Kessler is hiding - grab a copy of <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item111455/inFamous/" target="_self">inFamous</a> on PS3.</p> <p><b>10. </b><b>Pyramid Head - Silent Hill series - PS2, PS3</b></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p>Few enemies are more disturbing than Pyramid Head from Konami's acclaimed survival horror series. Wearing nothing more than a blood-soaked robe and a large triangular helmet, this bogeyman prefers to communicate in sinister violence. Typically armed with a spear or large knife, you have to be at your very best to survive an encounter when Pyramid Head comes for you.</p> <p>Think you can overcome your fears? See Pyramid Head first-hand in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item140182/Silent-Hill%C2%AE-Homecoming/" target="_self">Silent Hill Homecoming</a> on PS3.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp ps3, playstation3, 10 of the best, top 10, facebook, villains, games, social, community, users, silent hill, god of war, infamous, ratchet, clank, final fantasy, sephiroth, kessler, zeus, uncharted, nathan, drake, nemesis, resident evil, albert, wesker, neo cortex, nefarious, psycho mantis, metal gear solid, http://au.playstation.com/media/8_Ssn0yf/161/10OfTheBestVillians_FeatureImage.jpg 409914 408658 You Can in support of young people with cancer.]]> http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item393523/Cas-and-Jonesy-on-a-Sony-good-mission/?site_locale=en_AU Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:01:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item393523/Cas-and-Jonesy-on-a-Sony-good-mission/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-08-02T00:01:00Z 2011-08-02T00:57:07Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item393523/Cas-and-Jonesy-on-a-Sony-good-mission/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=393523 <p>Home grown adventurers Cas and Jonesy made history in 2008 when they became the first people to kayak from Australia to New Zealand. The epic voyage captured the hearts, minds and imagination of the nation, and in 2011, the pair is set to create a new world record as they walk from the edge of the Antarctic to the South Pole and back again.</p> <p>The adventure starts in just 75 days. In 100 years of polar exploration no one has ever managed to achieve this feat, which borders on the limit of human endurance. Cas (James Castrission, 29) and Jonesy (Justin Jones, 28) will each transport everything they need to survive for the three-month trek in two 160kg sleds, which they will drag over 2,200 kilometres through one of the Earth's harshest environments. The expedition will coincide with the 100 year centenary of Scott and Amundsen's race to the South Pole.</p> <p>The expedition endeavours to raise funds for the <a href="http://www.sonyfoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Sony Foundation</a> charitable campaign <a href="http://youcan.org.au/" target="_blank">You Can</a>, which supports young people in Australia with cancer. Young Australians with cancer do not receive specialist treatment and are placed in either paediatric or adult wards.</p> <p><b>SPONSOR A STEP:</b></p> <p><a href="http://donate.sonyfoundation.org.au/casandjonesy" target="_blank"></a></p> <p><b>Supporters of Cas and Jonesy can <a href="http://donate.sonyfoundation.org.au/casandjonesy" target="_blank">Sponsor a Step</a> of their Antarctic adventure with all funds raised going towards the creation of specialist youth cancer centres.</b></p> <p>James Castrission (Cas) said: "The Tasman was just a warm-up as Antarctica is going to be far more demanding, both physically and mentally. The ever-present risk of yawning crevasses, piercing cold, hypothermia and frostbite are challenges we will need to deal with on a daily basis.</p> <p>"Although we're pushing our bodies to the limit, we know that our challenge is nothing in comparison to the journey that young Aussies with cancer have so we want to share our story and raise these funds in a spirit of solidarity," Castrission continued.</p> <p>The challenging journey will be captured and shared using the latest range of Sony Bloggie cameras (Sony is an expedition sponsor), which will deliver high-definition images from the remote, icy Antarctic environment. In support of the campaign, five dollars from every Bloggie purchased will also be donated to You Can - to help create a better future for young Australians with cancer.</p> <p>Justin Jones (Jonesy) said: "These big expeditions are about meticulous planning, preparation and getting your systems right. We recently trained for a month in the Arctic, which let us refine the exact gear we'll need. It was tough but recently sharing the journey that some of our own friends with cancer have gone through has made us all the more determined to achieve this world first.</p> <p>"Bulking up while training for up to ten hours a day is the first of our challenges. Even though we will eat the equivalent of 15 big burgers each day, Cas and I are expecting to lose between 20-30kgs by the time the expedition is complete. It's all a bit crazy, but we think we're the right team to achieve this and can't wait to share this journey with everyone," Jones continued.</p> <p><b>To follow this record-breaking adventure, visit <a href="http://www.casandjonesy.com.au" target="_blank">www.casandjonesy.com.au</a>.</b></p> <p><a href="http://www.sony.com.au/productcategory/msc-bloggie" target="_blank"></a>  <a href="http://donate.sonyfoundation.org.au/casandjonesy" target="_blank"><img src="/media/4kZ3iJxG/casandjonesy2.jpg" alt="" /></a>  <a href="http://casandjonesy.com.au/" target="_blank"><img src="/media/7dxcr173/casandjonesy3.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p><b>About You Can:</b></p> <p>With cancer the leading cause of disease-related death amongst Australia's teenagers, there is an obvious and urgent need for action. A unique collaboration between governments, not-for-profit organisations, corporate and community support is helping to create a better future for young Australians with cancer. Sony Foundation is proud to play its role in this life-saving initiative, by aiming to raise $15 million in conjunction with long time charity partner CanTeen.</p> <p><b>For more information on the You Can campaign and how to contribute, visit <a href="http://www.youcan.org.au" target="_blank">www.youcan.org.au</a>.</b></p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp,psvita http://au.playstation.com/media/NGVa9qOj/161/casandjonesyfeature.jpg 393523 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item386114/Developer-spotlight-Level-5/?site_locale=en_AU Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item386114/Developer-spotlight-Level-5/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-07-01T16:00:00Z 2011-10-04T16:22:11Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item386114/Developer-spotlight-Level-5/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=386114 <p>Dragon Quest games are among the most popular in Japan, with every new release almost guaranteed to sell more than a million copies there. When the series' esteemed creator, Yuji Horii, partnered with Japanese development studio Level-5 to bring Dragon Quest: Journey of the Cursed King to PlayStation 2, the pressure could have told. But the results, Horii said in 2006, "blew me away".</p> <p>Rich visuals and absorbing stories in faraway worlds are the trademarks of Level-5, as <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item350486/White-Knight-Chronicles%E2%84%A2-II/" target="_self">White Knight Chronicles II</a> on PlayStation 3 showcases in stunning fashion. This sprawling epic is far from a flash in the pan, as a look through the company's glittering back catalogue proves.</p> <p><b>Dark Cloud (PS2, 2001)</b></p> <p>Vibrancy, ambition and groundbreaking ideas. Sound familiar? Dark Cloud was the first effort from Level-5 for PS2, and though it flew under the radar for many people, those who did pick it up discovered a surreal world of role-playing fantasy fused with a do-it-yourself upgrade system.</p> <p>Lots of the elements seen in the White Knight Chronicles saga were first built here, and a flair for throwing unexpected ingredients into the pot and ending up with a delicious, multi-flavoured treat meant you could happily try your hand at just about anything.</p> <p>Building towns with the Georama system, designing your own equipment and tackling huge, imaginative enemies in an unforgettable world were just some of the inspired options open to you.</p> <p><b>Dark Chronicle (PS2, 2003)</b></p> <p>Set 100 years after the events of Dark Cloud, we joined budding inventor Max and fiery princess Monica in their fight to stop the evil Emperor Griffin destroying their world. Yet in a typical Level-5 flourish, Griffin operated from his own time zone in Dark Chronicle – 100 years into the future.</p> <p>Hopping between the thriving towns of the present and the barren plains of a dark tomorrow added dizzying chaos to the Dark Chronicle formula. Meanwhile, Max's robot, Steve, could be transformed from a clanking rust bucket into a deadly tank in a sequel that managed to feel even more original than its predecessor.   </p> <p><b>Dragon Quest: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2, 2006)</b></p> <p>Moving on from the steam-powered societies of Dark Cloud and Dark Chronicle, Level-5 turned its kaleidoscopic eye to the Dragon Quest series.</p> <p>One of the most bewitching lands ever created on PS2 was the result, a fairytale world of cursed princesses, towns brimming with drama and caves inhabited by confused dragons.</p> <p>Mini-games and side quests sucked you deeper into a world with no loading times – so if you saw a mysterious landmark in the distance, there was nothing to stop you setting off for it in earnest. What a journey it proved to be.</p> <p><b>Rogue Galaxy (PS2, 2007)</b></p> <p>Playing as daydreaming space pirate Jaster Rogue in this helter-skelter tale, a voyage of interstellar discovery awaited you in Rogue Galaxy. Level-5 went full steampunk ahead, creating a world of desert mysticism, starry wonder and piston-driven adventure.</p> <p>Embarking on the cosmic galleon Dorgenark, Jaster set off to explore six gargantuan worlds, each with unique civilisations, quests and threats. His ability to cope in new surroundings depended on the equipment you created from the spoils of completed missions.</p> <p>Plenty of sea dog humour – including a grog-fuelled super attack – along with an epic soundtrack, witty dialogue and buccaneering battles meant Level-5 signed off the PS2 era in swashbuckling style.</p> <p><b>White Knight Chronicles (PS3, 2010)</b></p> <p>With the launch of PS3 in 2007, Level-5 set about creating a game that was larger than life – many metres larger, in fact. White Knight Chronicles transforms Leonard, a determined young merchant, into a towering warrior able to peer over castle ramparts.</p> <p>As the great White Knight, the quest to rescue the kidnapped Princess Cisna becomes less daunting, and the expansive Kingdom of Balandor becomes a splendid mix of exotic pastures and dank caverns, all yours to explore at will.</p> <p>Massive enemies test your hulking alter ego's skills, while the Georama system returns in an ambitious online mode that lets you team up with friends via PlayStation Network. A spectacular PS3 debut for Level-5, you can play it now, in full, on the same Blu-ray Disc as White Knight Chronicles II.</p> <p>Walk the path from hidden treasure to shining masterpiece yourself, by picking up these classics in-store now. Then immerse yourself in the latest Level-5 epic – White Knight Chronicles II, only on PS3.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2 playstation, 3, ps, play, station, game, games, rpg, role, playing, fantasy, level, 5, level-5, level5, white, knight, chronicles, ii, 2, dark, cloud, chronicle, rogue, galaxy, dragon, quest, journey, of, the, cursed, king, 8, viii, network, online, multiplayer http://au.playstation.com/media/gQFJOXGG/161/WKCII_FeaturedImage.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/3OcZQgcS/161/05_Multiplay.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/rXQ0ssJo/161/02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/uPfTME1m/161/WhiteKnightChronicals_sc031.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/em4TDYLD/161/WhiteKnightChronicals_sc026.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/230290/161/WKC_019.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/159016/161/4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/23455/161/dragonquest8_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/23459/161/dragonquest8_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/23461/161/dragonquest8_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26927/161/darkchronicle_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26928/161/darkchronicle_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26929/161/darkchronicle_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26930/161/darkchronicle_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/49634/161/roguegalaxy_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79194/161/roguegalaxy_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79195/161/roguegalaxy_sc011.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79197/161/roguegalaxy_sc013.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79204/161/roguegalaxy_sc020.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/3OcZQgcS/218/05_Multiplay.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/rXQ0ssJo/218/02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/uPfTME1m/218/WhiteKnightChronicals_sc031.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/em4TDYLD/218/WhiteKnightChronicals_sc026.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/230290/218/WKC_019.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/159016/218/4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/23455/218/dragonquest8_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/23459/218/dragonquest8_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/23461/218/dragonquest8_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26927/218/darkchronicle_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26928/218/darkchronicle_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26929/218/darkchronicle_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/26930/218/darkchronicle_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/49634/218/roguegalaxy_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79194/218/roguegalaxy_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79195/218/roguegalaxy_sc011.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79197/218/roguegalaxy_sc013.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/79204/218/roguegalaxy_sc020.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/h6zStAr4/404/WhiteKnightChronicles2_LaunchTrailer_720p_AUS-_HD_720p_YouTube.flv 386114 386081 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item384776/J-K-Rowling-announces-Pottermore-with-Sony/?site_locale=en_AU Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:19:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item384776/J-K-Rowling-announces-Pottermore-with-Sony/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-06-23T12:19:00Z 2011-06-24T08:31:45Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item384776/J-K-Rowling-announces-Pottermore-with-Sony/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=384776 <p>Author J.K. Rowling has revealed all about her exciting new project Pottermore, a unique and free-to-use website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of her hugely successful Harry Potter books.</p> <p>Working with Sony on this groundbreaking collaboration, Rowling has written extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories, which will inform, inspire and entertain as you journey through the storylines of the books.</p> <p>These tales will be brought to life with newly-commissioned illustrations and interactive Moments for you to navigate through, starting with the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.</p> <p>Once you choose a magic username you move through the chapters, read and share exclusive writing from J.K.Rowling, and just like Harry you can visit the mysterious Diagon Alley, get sorted into a school house by the Sorting Hat, earn your magic wand, cast spells and mix potions.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pottermore.com/" target="_blank">Pottermore.com</a> will later introduce an online shop where you can exclusively buy the long-awaited Harry Potter eBooks. The site aims to become an online reading experience, extending the relevance of Harry Potter to new generations of readers and existing fans. As the Pottermore Shop develops it may include products designed specifically for Harry Potter fans and potentially Sony products and services related to Pottermore.</p> <p>"I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation," says Rowling. "I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have.</p> <p>"To add to my input into the website, everyone will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment - Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.</p> <p>"There are many companies I could have worked with on this ultimate digital expression of Harry Potter's universe, but it is Sony's unique philosophy of creativity in harmony with technology that made them my first choice. The spirit behind Sony's make.believe philosophy is one that rings true with Pottermore's own values."</p> <p><a href="http://www.pottermore.com/" target="_blank">Pottermore.com</a> will officially launch in October 2011, available in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish, with more languages to follow. You can sign up now to register for the beta, which starts on 31 July 2011. The first million people to register will be lucky enough to gain early entry into the website and help put final touches to the experience.</p> <p>Check out J.K. Rowling's announcement on <a href="http://www.sony.com" target="_blank">sony.com</a> now and prepare yourself for a magical adventure at Pottermore.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp,psvita harry, potter, pottermore, j.k., rowling, magic, sony, books, ebooks, children, kids, http://au.playstation.com/media/DASecETz/161/JKRowling_FeaturedImage.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/H1awVUs4/161/JKRowling_screenshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/H1awVUs4/218/JKRowling_screenshot.jpg 384776 384675 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item374150/PES-2012-Real-Football-Simulation/?site_locale=en_AU Tue, 17 May 2011 05:37:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item374150/PES-2012-Real-Football-Simulation/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-05-17T05:37:00Z 2011-05-20T02:53:36Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item374150/PES-2012-Real-Football-Simulation/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=374150 <p>"For me, the ultimate aim in the ongoing PES series is to match what people see when they go to a match or watch a big game on TV with what they experience on their console," explains Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka, the Creative Producer of the Pro Evolution Soccer series. "As such, in consultation with football fans across the globe, we have been working non-stop to isolate and determine how to make our game marry in with how real football is played. This is key to PES 2012, and key to providing the ultimate football experience within a console title."</p> <p>To this end, PES 2012 continues Konami's determination to work with fans of both the PES series and football in general, to create a truly realistic, immersive and utterly playable take on the modern game. Thus, the focus in PES 2012 is the instinctive way the game can be played and on teamwork in particular. Seabass and his Tokyo team have worked to recreate the very essence of top-level football, ensuring the new game's AI engine has undergone a major overhaul and provide an experience akin to being part of a real team.</p> <p>Attacking play is a cornerstone of PES 2012, and the new game benefits from a more open approach that allows users to dictate the pace of movement. All-new AI elements allow team mates to make runs and offer support in one-on-one situations. Players make useful dummy runs to draw defenders, and this offers users greater options to move the ball around when they are being closed down. Thus, the team works together a more cohesive unit, reacting to the movements of the player with the ball, and working to force the opposing team into mistakes.</p> <p>Zonal marking and positional defending are also massively enhanced; ensuring players are forced to work harder to split the opposition defence. Meanwhile a new cursor switching system has been implemented using the right analogue stick to switch to any player on the field. This allows users to pick a team mate anywhere on the pitch, thereby allowing players to react to threats faster, and to shut down attacks more quickly. Hold up play is being tweaked to give even greater control. AI defenders are able to hold a much tighter defensive line, position themselves better and track opponents more efficiently. The off-the-ball switching also extends to key set pieces, such as goal kicks, corners, free kicks and throw-ins, and allows users to target a specific player and send them on runs or to drag defenders out of position, and allows for quick breaks and space to be exploited more easily.</p> <p>The physicality of top-level football is represented as PES 2012 extends the jostling system of its predecessor. Defenders rely on their strength and stature to force a player from the ball as strikers and play makers make use of unique attributes to beat their markers. Tighter, more accurate collisions see players tumbling dependent on how they are knocked off the ball. Crucially, control is not lost, allowing the stumbling player to be brought directly back under control.</p> <p>The result is a game that, more than ever, truly represents the key attributes of the world's greatest players, but without sacrificing balance and allowing single players to waltz undefended through a game. Coupled with heavily tweaked animation, more detailed lighting techniques, a wider variety of player styles, improved dead-ball situations, expanded tactics and a new customisable pass feature, means that PES 2012 truly captures the essence of top-flight football.</p> <p>"Team work is what separates the world's greatest teams from their peers, and is the hub of everything within PES 2012," added Takatsuka. "PES 2012 focuses on the core elements of top-level football: attacking play, freedom of movement, the creation of space, and working together as a unit both up field and in defence. These elements combine to create a game that flows and ebbs like a real match, with individual shows of brilliance changing a game, and more control over every aspect of play within a wide-ranging yet instinctive control system. PES 2012 will turn the heads of fans everywhere."</p> <p>Konami will be detailing further key enhancements to PES 2012 in the coming months.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp pes 2012, pro evo, pro evolution, soccer, football, footy, konami http://au.playstation.com/media/_rdj94L4/161/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/_rdj94L4/161/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nIR0wh7Y/161/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/SVZhAARS/161/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/_rdj94L4/218/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nIR0wh7Y/218/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/SVZhAARS/218/ENG%20Screenshot%20PES%202012%20Video%20Announcement%2001.jpg 374150 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item368039/Take-part-in-the-Portable-ID-design-challenge/?site_locale=en_AU Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:02:00 +0100 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item368039/Take-part-in-the-Portable-ID-design-challenge/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-04-20T00:02:00Z 2011-05-20T01:47:23Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item368039/Take-part-in-the-Portable-ID-design-challenge/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=368039 <p>Portable IDs are available exclusively from <a href="/psn/mypsn" target="_blank">au.playstation.com/psn/mypsn</a> on PC and give you the chance to show off your favourite game, current mood and trophy collection to the rest of the PlayStation Community and beyond.</p> <p>Since January 2009, you have created over 1 million Portable IDs at <a href="/psn/mypsn" target="_blank">au.playstation.com/psn/mypsn</a> on PC, giving you the chance to show off your gaming credentials via the official PlayStation Forums and other online sites.</p> <p>In April 2011, we updated the range of Portable ID themes to include exclusive designs for <a href="/psn/services/detail/item285513/PlayStation%C2%AEPlus/" target="_self">PlayStation Plus</a> members as well as new creations for some of the hottest games around.</p> <p>Now it's your turn to get in on the action. We'd like you to <b>design your very own art style Portable ID theme</b> and post it on the <a href="http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/Announcements-Community-Events/Portable-ID-Design-Challenge/td-p/12748931" target="_blank">official PlayStation Forums</a> before 30th June 2011.</p> <p>The design for the theme <b>must be original</b> - so no existing game character imagery please. Bear in mind that you should not post content that infringes the law or third party rights, or which includes activities or statements which are discriminatory, offensive, obscene or defamatory or which may cause offence to others on grounds of nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, faith or disability.</p> <p>We'll then pick our favourites and publish them at <a href="/psn/mypsn" target="_blank">au.playstation.com/psn/mypsn</a> on PC where the rest of the world will be able to download and use them.</p> <p>Join the fun now at the <a href="http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/Announcements-Community-Events/Portable-ID-Design-Challenge/td-p/12748931" target="_blank">official PlayStation Forums</a> and grab the chance to show off your design skills in the Portable ID design challenge.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp portable, id, trophy, trophies, playstation, network, ps3, psn, show, community, forums, win, challenge, prize, official, http://au.playstation.com/media/P92UFrzi/161/featured_image_portable_id_comp.jpg 368039 367577 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item357452/Eight-great-LEGO-spoofs/?site_locale=en_AU Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item357452/Eight-great-LEGO-spoofs/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-03-21T10:00:00Z 2011-03-29T16:20:52Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item357452/Eight-great-LEGO-spoofs/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=357452 <p>As the release of LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game on PlayStation 3 and PSP sails into view on 19th May 2011, we recollect eight of the most memorable scenes across the range of LEGO videogames to date.</p> <p><b><a href="/ps2/games/detail/item35876/LEGO-Star-Wars/" target="_self">LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game</a> (PlayStation 2) - "We'll handle this"</b></p> <p>No Star Wars fan can forget the first time they saw deadly Sith lord Darth Maul reveal his double bladed lightsaber. An epic battle ensues, with Maul taking on the fierce Jedi Qui-Gon Jin and his youthful apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. While Qui-Gon loses his life, he is avenged by Obi-Wan slicing Maul in two - perfectly recreated in LEGO Star Wars.</p> <p><b><a href="../../ps2/games/detail/item35876/LEGO-Star-Wars/" target="_self">LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game</a></b><b> (PS2) - "Only a Sith deals in absolutes"</b></p> <p>A lifelong friendship brought to a violent end, the duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan is adapted into a platforming romp before lightsabers are drawn over a lava ravaged cavern. The end result is the creation of Darth Vader, who is an imposing individual even as a minifigure.</p> <p><b><a href="/psp/games/detail/item46093/LEGO-Star-Wars-II-The-Original-Trilogy/" target="_self">LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy</a> (PlayStation 3, PSP, PS2) - "Sorry about the mess"</b></p> <p>Forget When Harry Met Sally - when space scoundrel Han Solo met bounty hunter Greedo the results were nothing short of explosive. In both the movie and game, Han shoots Greedo dead before the little green alien can claim the bounty on Han's head. In true LEGO style, Greedo's fate is a little less grisly, as Han's laser blast turns his foe into a harmless pile of green bricks.</p> <p><b><a href="/psp/games/detail/item46093/LEGO-Star-Wars-II-The-Original-Trilogy/" target="_self">LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy</a> (PS3, PSP, PS2) - "No... I am your father" </b></p> <p>In one of the most iconic scenes in movie history, the villainous Darth Vader duels with trainee Jedi, Luke Skywalker, before cutting off Luke's hand and uttering his devastating revelation. The rousing emotion of the film's moment is brilliantly turned on its head in classic, tongue-in-cheek LEGO, style, as Vader pulls out an old family photo as proof of Luke's parentage.</p> <p><b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item267109/LEGO%C2%AE-Harry-Potter%E2%84%A2-Years-1-4/" target="_self">LEGO Harry Potter Years 1 - 4</a> (PS3, PSP) - "Welcome, Harry, to Diagon Alley"</b></p> <p>Harry Potter has an incredible introduction to the world of witches and wizards when he arrives at Diagon Alley. Hidden from the eyes of non-magical folk (Muggles), this London street is full of treasures and the game captures this sense of wonder with magical objects and hilariously recreated places such as The Leaky Cauldron pub and Gringotts Wizarding Bank.</p> <p><b><a href="../../ps3/games/detail/item267109/LEGO%C2%AE-Harry-Potter%E2%84%A2-Years-1-4/" target="_self">LEGO Harry Potter Years 1 - 4</a></b><b> (PS3, PSP) - "Troll in the dungeon!"</b></p> <p>When the cowardly Professor Quirrell finds a brutish troll in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, guess who runs into it? Harry and Ron are the poor students who have to deal with the dangerous monster in the school bathrooms, with the game turning the incident into a boss fight. It takes more than a club on the head to put this troll down...</p> <p><b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item103356/LEGO-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-Adventures/" target="_self">LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures</a> (PS3, PSP) - "Throw me the idol, I'll throw you the whip!"</b></p> <p>It's been spoofed many times, yet only LEGO can make Dr Jones' escape from a giant boulder look as cute as it is menacing. Indy is eventually caught by the rolling rock and fired out of the booby trapped temple, only to be forced into giving up the precious idol he risked his life for in the first place.</p> <p><b><a href="../../ps3/games/detail/item103356/LEGO-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-Adventures/" target="_self">LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures</a></b><b> (PS3, PSP) - "Look out!"</b></p> <p>The fight on the Flying Wing is one of the most intense scenes from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, and it's captured brilliantly in the game. Indy's battle with a hulking Nazi mechanic is given a twist with comedy anvils and a startling finale which thankfully isn't quite as gruesome as the original.</p> <p>Why not experience these and many more classic moments for yourself? Build some colourful memories with the LEGO titles on PlayStation and get ready for LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean on PlayStation 3 and PSP on 19th May 2011.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp ps3, playstation3, psp, playstation portable, ps2, playstation 2, lego, lego games, recreations, films, movies, lego star wars, lego batman, lego indiana jones, lego harry potter, lego pirates of the caribbean, funny scenes, favourite scenes, top ten, top 10, 10 of the best, ten of the best, best of lists, great eight, eight entertaining, best of games, http://au.playstation.com/media/VTOXiC2r/161/legostarwars_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/HSWPkjQ2/161/Greedo_screeshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/yHnp4XxA/161/legostarwars_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/57Dc7dHI/161/DarthvsLuke_screenshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/VTOXiC2r/161/legostarwars_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/mz6nCSn2/161/LEGOHarryPotter_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nziu2rUO/161/LEGOHarryPotter_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/102705/161/legoindianajones_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/104492/161/indiana_sc014.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/HSWPkjQ2/218/Greedo_screeshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/yHnp4XxA/218/legostarwars_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/57Dc7dHI/218/DarthvsLuke_screenshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/VTOXiC2r/218/legostarwars_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/mz6nCSn2/218/LEGOHarryPotter_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/nziu2rUO/218/LEGOHarryPotter_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/102705/218/legoindianajones_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/104492/218/indiana_sc014.jpg 357452 356815 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item358058/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal/?site_locale=en_AU Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item358058/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-03-20T19:00:00Z 2011-03-31T06:39:02Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item358058/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=358058 <p>The British Red Cross, part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, has set up a fund to support the disaster relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.</p> <p>To make a charitable donation, visit PlayStation Store on your PlayStation and go to the Japan Tsunami Appeal section.</p> <p>You can donate either $5, $10, $20 or $35 and 100 per cent of your donation will go to the British Red Cross, part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In the event that they receive more donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal than the Japanese Red Cross and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can reasonably and efficiently spend, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters.</p> <p>As a thank you, everyone who makes a donation will be able to download the Sunrise Blossom theme from PlayStation Store for free.</p> <p>Please note, donations made to the Japan Tsunami Appeal via PlayStation Store are not deductible as charitable donations for income tax purposes.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp tsunami, appeal, playstation, red, cross, relief, help, aid, donate, donation, money, store, ps, network http://au.playstation.com/media/VDcOe_dF/161/JapanTsunamiAppeal_Screenshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/VDcOe_dF/161/JapanTsunamiAppeal_Screenshot.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/VDcOe_dF/218/JapanTsunamiAppeal_Screenshot.jpg 358058 357932 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item254401/IGN-SELECT-Awards-2010-winners-announced/?site_locale=en_AU Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item254401/IGN-SELECT-Awards-2010-winners-announced/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-03-11T03:00:00Z 2011-03-14T01:46:47Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item254401/IGN-SELECT-Awards-2010-winners-announced/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=254401 <p>The <a href="http://au.ign.com" target="_blank">IGN.com</a> SELECT Awards celebrates the world of gaming from an Australian perspective, as voted on by IGN readers. More than 50,000 votes were tallied in this year's selection process.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/news/articles/detail/item266165/Uncharted-2-wins-Best-Game-of-2009/" target="_self">Last year's IGN SELECT Awards</a> not only saw Uncharted 2: Among Thieves take home <i>Best Console Game</i>, but also <i>Editor's Choice</i>, <i>Best Visual Design</i> and the <i>Overall IGN SELECT Award</i>.</p> <p>This year, defying the rapid growth in the social, mobile and motion-sensing sectors of the video game industry, the winning titles indicate players prefer depth of content and mature themes above all else. The highest honour, the IGN SELECT Award for the best overall game of 2010, was awarded to science fiction role-playing epic, <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item308202/Mass-Effect%E2%84%A2-2/" target="_self">Mass Effect 2</a>. The game, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, also joined titles like <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item156327/Red-Dead-Redemption%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Red Dead Redemption</a>, <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item294688/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops/" target="_self">Call of Duty: Black Ops</a> and <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item116068/Heavy-Rain%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Heavy Rain</a> as stand-out favourites within the IGN community.</p> <p>"Aussies have underlined the value of rich content and production values," said Narayan Pattison, Publishing Director of IGN.com Australia. "These winners reflect the mainstream impact of sophisticated, mature-minded gaming, as well as the best all-ages titles of the year. Plus, they were a heck of a lot of fun - and that's ultimately what matters."</p> <p>IGN.com readers were asked to vote for their favourite games across 10 categories such as Best Console Game, Most Innovative Design and Best Newcomer Award. Each category included the highest rating titles of the year, as well as fresh gaming franchises and independent releases.</p> <p>The full list of IGN SELECT Awards 2010 winners for the PlayStation platform include:</p> <ul> <li><b>Overall IGN SELECT Award Winner:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item308202/Mass-Effect%E2%84%A2-2/" target="_self"><br />Mass Effect 2</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Best Online / Multiplayer:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item294688/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops/" target="_self"><br />Call of Duty: Black Ops</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Best Visual Design:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item156327/Red-Dead-Redemption%E2%84%A2/" target="_self"><br />Red Dead Redemption</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Best Newcomer:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item116068/Heavy-Rain%E2%84%A2/" target="_self"><br />Heavy Rain</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Best Story:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item308202/Mass-Effect%E2%84%A2-2/" target="_self"><br />Mass Effect 2</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Best Console Game:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item156327/Red-Dead-Redemption%E2%84%A2/" target="_self"><br />Red Dead Redemption</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Best Handheld Game:</b><a href="/psn/games/detail/item277614/God-of-War-Ghost-of-Sparta/" target="_self"><br />God of War: Ghost of Sparta</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Most Innovative Design:</b><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item116068/Heavy-Rain%E2%84%A2/" target="_self"><br />Heavy Rain</a></li> </ul> <p>Thanks to the guys at IGN.com and their readers, once again, for supporting the PlayStation platform. For more information, head over to <a href="http://au.ign.com/" target="_blank">IGN.com</a>.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp IGN Select Awards 2009, vote, voting, mass effect 2, IGN Select Awards 2010, announced, announcement, red dead redemption, call of duty: black ops, heavy rain, god of war: ghost of sparta http://au.playstation.com/media/jiULWy27/161/ign_select_logo.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/mmNCWgLr/161/Screenshot%20(8).jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/CgvGQE8m/161/Screenshot%20(9).jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/6Zezum2_/161/Slaughterhouse_Taking%20Aim.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/2ON1TK8K/161/Black%20Ops_WMD_Head%20Over%20Heals.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/38NX21Fb/161/reddeadredemption_screen2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/A5S1ngq0/161/RedDeadRedemption_sc026.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/_CQNiSkj/161/GUI_SCREENSHOT.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/KTkXDQo4/161/Ethan_Father%26Son_1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/mmNCWgLr/218/Screenshot%20(8).jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/CgvGQE8m/218/Screenshot%20(9).jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/6Zezum2_/218/Slaughterhouse_Taking%20Aim.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/2ON1TK8K/218/Black%20Ops_WMD_Head%20Over%20Heals.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/38NX21Fb/218/reddeadredemption_screen2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/A5S1ngq0/218/RedDeadRedemption_sc026.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/_CQNiSkj/218/GUI_SCREENSHOT.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/KTkXDQo4/218/Ethan_Father%26Son_1.jpg 254401 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item354143/Go-mobile-with-the-PlayStation-Official-App/?site_locale=en_AU Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item354143/Go-mobile-with-the-PlayStation-Official-App/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-03-10T11:00:00Z 2011-12-13T13:47:36Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item354143/Go-mobile-with-the-PlayStation-Official-App/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=354143 <p>Want to know how the world of PlayStation has become bigger and yet can still be taken around in your pocket? Welcome to the <a href="http://au.playstation.com/mobile/" target="_self">PlayStation Official App</a> (version 1.0) - a brilliant and free new application which lets you access your PlayStation Network account and a number of other features, all from the convenience of your mobile device.</p> <p>Available to download for iPhone and iPod Touch with OS 4 and above, or Android compatible handsets with a minimum of OS 1.6*, the PlayStation Official App brings you closer to PlayStation no matter where you are. Once downloaded from iTunes or the Android Market, you can:</p> <ul> <li> Check out your PlayStation Network trophies and keep up to date with your friends' games and online status.</li> <li> Discover all the latest games, news and hardware for your PlayStation 3, PSP and PlayStation 2.</li> <li>Read exciting announcements on PlayStation.Blog.</li> </ul> <p>As the only official application with a constant finger on the pulse of PlayStation, the PlayStation Official App is your one-stop source to keep you ahead of the game, no matter where you are. Find out how to download the app at <a href="http://au.playstation.com/mobile" target="_blank">http://au.playstation.com/mobile</a>.</p> <p>Keep an eye on au.playstation.com and <a href="http://blog.au.playstation.com" target="_blank">PlayStation.Blog</a> for the latest developments on the PlayStation Official App.</p> <p>*Note: the PlayStation Official App is not compatible with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp playstation, playstation official app, mobile playstation, mobile phone, mobile device, iphone, android phone, android, itunes, ipod, on the move, playstation on the move, mobile playstation, playstation.com, playstation blog, playstation.com, playstation.blog, playstation network, psn, htc, samsung, nokia, sony ericsson, http://au.playstation.com/media/3MCzGZ5s/161/MobileAppFeaturedImage_EN.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/s0g8h3Wn/161/mobile-app-android-screenshot-4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/6mvEpHHR/161/mobile-app-android-screenshot-2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OoFjoicX/161/mobile-app-android-screenshot-3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/qy1pJVEY/161/mobile-app-android-screenshot-1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/3ajxx4FP/161/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/80bi9NnP/161/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-6.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/e69cuCjU/161/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/MD37NjFo/161/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/wyHJhoQG/161/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/sVlySTef/161/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/s0g8h3Wn/218/mobile-app-android-screenshot-4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/6mvEpHHR/218/mobile-app-android-screenshot-2.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/OoFjoicX/218/mobile-app-android-screenshot-3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/qy1pJVEY/218/mobile-app-android-screenshot-1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/3ajxx4FP/218/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-5.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/80bi9NnP/218/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-6.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/e69cuCjU/218/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/MD37NjFo/218/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-3.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/wyHJhoQG/218/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/sVlySTef/218/mobile-app-iphone-screenshot-2.jpg 354143 329266 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item349179/Yakuza-The-story-so-far/?site_locale=en_AU Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:11:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item349179/Yakuza-The-story-so-far/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-02-25T09:11:00Z 2011-02-27T22:53:15Z http://au.playstation.com/yakuzathestorysofar/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=349179 <p><b>Honour and obey</b></p> <p>October 1995, and when police arrive at an apartment in Tokyo's red light district they find Kazuma Kiryu standing over the dead body of the Dojima family patriarch. Yet this is not the tragic outcome of some domestic dispute or petty gangland squabble, it is the cut-throat world of <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item36839/Yakuza/" target="_self">Yakuza</a> on PlayStation 2.</p> <p>Doing the right thing runs a distant second to maintaining the honour of your blood brother – even if that means a ten-year prison sentence and a dramatic fall from grace. And so Kiryu's stellar rise through the ranks of the Tokyo underworld is halted by his respect for the yakuza traditions by which he is bound.</p> <p>Fast forward to December 2005, and Kiryu breathes in the cloying air of Tokyo for the first time as a free man. But freedom for a man like Kiryu brings its own pressures. His old Kamurocho stomping ground has changed beyond recognition, one of his oldest friends is missing and, worse still, his Tojo clan brothers in crime consider him a traitor for the murder he didn't commit.   </p> <p>Akira Nishikiyama, the man Kiryu gave ten years of his life to protect, is now the head of his own family and far from grateful for Kiryu's sacrifice. Meanwhile, the entire Tokyo criminal fraternity is tearing the city apart in search of ten billion yen recently stolen, and Kiryu is in the firing line.</p> <p>All this is set against a neon cityscape of hostess bars, game parlours and seedy clubs, where light-hearted conversation can quickly turn into a brutal knuckle fight with the slightest word uttered out of turn. Trust no one and watch the shadows and you might just survive the treacherous world of Yakuza.</p> <p><b>Dragons clash</b></p> <p>Kazuma Kiryu is determined to leave his dark past behind him once and for all in <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item123074/Yakuza-2%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Yakuza 2</a> for PlayStation 2, but fate conspires against the man once known as the Dragon of Dojima.</p> <p>One year on from the events of Yakuza, Kiryu is trying to settle into a tranquil existence. It isn't long before his former life seeks him out, however, as a bitter typhoon of secrets and clan rivalry whips up to sweep Kiryu back into the seedy fray.</p> <p>Kiryu's Tojo clansmen face a storm on two fronts: from Japan's south, the Omi clan; and from within, a terrible secret which has never been forgotten by a powerful Korean organisation. Revenge and a hunger for power swirl through Yakuza 2, as terrible forces clash and quickly cause Kiryu to regret ever having left his new found peace behind.</p> <p>If it's not the murder of a Korean mob boss by Kiryu's foster father some 20 years previously, then it's the ruthless ambition of the Dragon of Kansai, Ryuji Goda, desperate to ditch his Kansai connection and become the most feared yakuza in all of Japan.</p> <p>Kiryu must use the dubious skills he thought himself finished with to fight, outwit and bury once and for all the threats to his old clan. Only then can this battle-scarred dragon claw his way back to a life of relative serenity.</p> <p><b>Ghosts from the past</b></p> <p>As <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item250178/Yakuza-3/" target="_self">Yakuza 3</a> for PlayStation 3 proves beyond a doubt, once you join the ranks of the Yakuza, you can never truly leave.</p> <p>World-weary Kazuma Kiryu has finally established the sedate life he craved in the idyllic islands of Okinawa. Running a seaside orphanage with the daughter of his childhood sweetheart, his time as one of the most feared gangsters in Japan seems to belong to another life.</p> <p>But when two suspicious men begin stalking Kiryu and loitering around the orphanage, a painfully familiar anxiety takes hold. Kiryu is forced to take action – and he soon discovers that much more is stake than his peace of mind.</p> <p>An eviction order arrives, placing the orphanage under the threat of closure. Its beachside location is prime real estate, and a holiday resort developer has the land in its sights. All is not as it seems, however, and the fleeting glimpse of an old friend's face in Okinawa confirms Kiryu's growing trepidation: the Yakuza are somehow involved.</p> <p>The menace of the Yakuza has even deeper roots in Japanese society than even Kiryu could have imagined. Working in murky unison with the Japanese government, it soon transpires that these gangsters are paving the way for a military base to be built.</p> <p>With powerful clients to satisfy, the local yakuza clan will stop at nothing in getting rid of Kiryu, and he finds himself tangled in an all too recognisable web of tradition, deception and cold-blooded killing.</p> <p>Kiryu is reluctantly thrust into a struggle for his home, his honour and his future that can only be won by confronting the shadows from his past. But the Yakuza's grip on Kiryu's life is vice-like, and even at the conclusion of Yakuza 3, he knows only too well his struggle to shake free is far from over. See how the saga continues with <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item298296/Yakuza%E2%84%A2-4/" target="_self">Yakuza 4</a> for PlayStation 3.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2 playstation 3, ps3, ps 3, yakuza, yakuza games, gangster, mobster, mafia, japan, japanese, tokyo, crime games, Japanese crime games, brawler, fighting games, Japanese games http://au.playstation.com/media/249847/161/Street_Fight_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/hIwFGMjL/161/kiryu_02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Di4E0KMo/161/yakuza4_scr02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/PU3Ek7ax/161/yakuza4_scr04.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249846/161/Elbow_To_The_Face_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249847/161/Street_Fight_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249850/161/Mean_Muggin_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249851/161/Bow_Down_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249853/161/Shady_Serpent_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/122924/161/yakuza2_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/122926/161/yakuza2_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/101025/161/Yakuza_2_image4.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/hIwFGMjL/218/kiryu_02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Di4E0KMo/218/yakuza4_scr02.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/PU3Ek7ax/218/yakuza4_scr04.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249846/218/Elbow_To_The_Face_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249847/218/Street_Fight_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249850/218/Mean_Muggin_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249851/218/Bow_Down_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/249853/218/Shady_Serpent_BMP.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/122924/218/yakuza2_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/122926/218/yakuza2_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/101025/218/Yakuza_2_image4.jpg 349179 349135 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item344421/10-of-the-Best-Love-stories-in-games/?site_locale=en_AU Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item344421/10-of-the-Best-Love-stories-in-games/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-02-14T12:00:00Z 2011-02-14T23:58:22Z http://au.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item344421/10-of-the-Best-Love-stories-in-games/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=344421 <p><a href="/psn/games/detail/item289304/Scott-Pilgrim-vs-The-World-The-Game/" target="_self">Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game</a></p> <p>Get ready for the ultimate rock 'n' roll love story this Valentine's Day with the side scrolling brawler based on the hit movie. The goal is simple: take on the role of the geeky Scott Pilgrim and defeat his girlfriend's seven evil exes to win her heart. Think you have what it takes? Then download the game from PlayStation Store today for PlayStation 3 and get the girl.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item158400/Dantes-Inferno%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Dante's Inferno</a></p> <p>Despite the brutality of Visceral Games' epic action adventure, Dante's Inferno is a dark love story at heart that sees you play as Dante as you journey through the nine circles of Hell to free your loved one's soul from the clutches of Lucifer. Terrifying, twisted and filled with heart-stopping creatures of the night, Dante's Inferno is a love story with a scythe-shaped edge. Go to Hell on PlayStation 3 and PSP today.</p> <p><a href="/psn/games/detail/item269893/Monsters-%28probably%29-Stole-My-Princess/" target="_self">Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess</a></p> <p>Fancy a love story with a rollicking sense of humour this Valentine's Day? Then get yourself to PlayStation Store and pick up this hilarious minis title. In it, you play as The Duke, an aristocratic demon whose lovely lady has been kidnapped by nefarious ghouls. With six stages spread out over 24 levels, there's plenty of lovin' in this bite-sized platformer.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item297308/ENSLAVED-Odyssey-to-the-West/" target="_self">ENSLAVED: Odyssey to the West </a></p> <p>Arguably one of the most breathtaking games of 2010, Ninja Theory's ENSLAVED is a brilliantly paced action adventure game on PlayStation 3 that follows the story of two strangers who form an unbreakable bond on a perilous journey across ravaged lands. With performances from Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis, and a script by 28 Days Later writer, Alex Garland, ENSLAVED: Odyssey to the West is an action game with a surprisingly warm heart.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item156327/Red-Dead-Redemption%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Red Dead Redemption</a></p> <p>Rockstar Games' sprawling western is, despite the high body count, a story about a man's love for his family and the lengths he'll go to protect them. All John Marsden ever wanted was to run a farm with his wife and son and grow old, but unfortunately for him, his past (and fate) wouldn't allow it. Take on the Wild West on PlayStation 3 today and pick up a copy of Red Dead Redemption.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item292149/Kane-Lynch-2-Dog-Days/" target="_self">Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days</a></p> <p>It's raw, it's brutal and it's the ultimate action man's love story. Welcome to the bullet-riddled world of Kane and Lynch, two of gaming's most notorious criminals. You play as Lynch. Someone has stolen your woman, and you want her back. Armed to the teeth and angry as hell, your mission is to wreak havoc on the streets of Shanghai all in the name of love.</p> <p><a href="/ps2/games/detail/item36260/Shadow-of-the-Colossus/" target="_self">Shadow of the Colossus </a></p> <p>A huge hit on PlayStation 2 in 2006 and set for a High Definition upgrade later in 2011 on PlayStation 3, Shadow of the Colossus is a fantastical fable about a hero desperately seeking to return the soul of a young girl to her body and bring her back to this world. However, the only way to do this is to slay 16 legendary Colossi that roam the ancient land.</p> <p><a href="/ps3/games/detail/item60359/Darkness%2C-The/" target="_self">The Darkness</a></p> <p>In this PlayStation 3 first person shooter based on the acclaimed noir horror comic, you play as Jackie Estacado, a contract killer for the Mafia in New York. When the mob tries to assassinate you on your 21st birthday and you survive after being possessed by the demonic Darkness, things get a little personal when they murder your girlfriend, Jenny. From here, love is the catalyst for a story filled with revenge and bullets.</p> <p><a href="/psn/games/detail/item258333/FINAL-FANTASY%C2%AE-VIII/" target="_self">Final Fantasy VIII </a></p> <p>In Final Fantasy VIII you play as Squall, a military student leading a crew of warriors to save the world from the evil sorceress Edea. Within this epic tale lies a love story between Squall and team member Rinoa. It may take a little time to develop, and Squall will have to save her life many times along the way, but Final Fantasy VIII's cute couple are the stuff of gaming legend. Download it from PlayStation Store today for your PS3 and PSP.</p> <p><a href="http://www.icothegame.com" target="_blank">ICO</a><b> </b></p> <p>From the team behind the awe-inspiring Shadow of the Colossus comes ICO, a beautifully told tale about a young boy banished to a castle trying to save a girl from her malevolent mother. Like Shadow of the Colossus, this spellbinding tale is due for a High Definition makeover later in 2011 on PlayStation 3.</p> <p>If you're looking for love with a twist, then check out one or more of these great titles.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp ICO, shadow of the colossus, final fantasy VIII, Squall, Edea, The Darkness, The Darkness II, Jackie Estacado, Kane, Lynch, Kane & Lynch 2, Dog Days, Red Dead, Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar Games, ENSLAVED: Odyssey to the West, Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess, Dante's Infero, Dante, Inferno, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game, Scott Pilgrim http://au.playstation.com/media/PqO2oRkP/161/Valentines_FeaturedImage.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/KNRZECEx/161/Valentines_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/sutbFvdI/161/Valentines_sc009.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/1wzIa8hb/161/Valentines_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/-gq3Ozax/161/Valentines_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/aUyjshzW/161/Valentines_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Rsfd4FEP/161/Valentines_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0xo9Hiyl/161/Valentines_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/JL5vWCZL/161/Valentines_sc006.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/WcoHhl3i/161/Valentines_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/H0ee6-Sq/161/Valentines_sc008.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/KNRZECEx/218/Valentines_sc007.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/sutbFvdI/218/Valentines_sc009.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/1wzIa8hb/218/Valentines_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/-gq3Ozax/218/Valentines_sc005.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/aUyjshzW/218/Valentines_sc010.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Rsfd4FEP/218/Valentines_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0xo9Hiyl/218/Valentines_sc004.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/JL5vWCZL/218/Valentines_sc006.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/WcoHhl3i/218/Valentines_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/H0ee6-Sq/218/Valentines_sc008.jpg 344421 344354 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item343461/Killzone-The-story-so-far/?site_locale=en_AU Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item343461/Killzone-The-story-so-far/?site_locale=en_AU 2011-02-10T12:00:00Z 2011-02-13T22:34:52Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item343461/Killzone-The-story-so-far/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=343461 <p><b>Battle of the planets</b></p> <p>Captain Jan Templar is set to go down in legend as the man who prevented humanity being snuffed out by one of the most ruthlessly efficient enemies ever seen on PlayStation. This is <a href="/ps2/games/detail/item35177/Killzone®/" target="_self">Killzone</a> on PlayStation 2 – and it's only the start of the most intense fight for survival you'll ever face.  </p> <p>Earth is but a war-ravaged memory to Templar and his Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA) comrades; Vekta is mankind's new home, a planet rich in natural resources and coveted by its neighbours on the dark, inhospitable planet Helghan. Yet war itself is only too familiar to both planets, and the Helghast are eager for more.</p> <p>Breaching defences the ISA said could never be breached, the Helghast launch a blistering rampage on Vekta. They are tougher, faster, and, above all, furious at being shunned by their human cousins. Rocked back on its heels, the ISA is forced into a desperate rearguard action of trench warfare and chaotic house to house firefights.</p> <p>As ISA losses skyrocket and Vekta is ceded mile by mile, Helghast confidence and brutality grows. Against this terrifying backdrop, Templar and his grizzled squad – the hulking Rico Velasquez, the mysterious Shadow Marshal Luger and the half-Helghast Colonel Hakha – begin their inspirational counter surge.</p> <p>With the battle lines blurred by treachery and the desire for revenge, Templar cuts a bloody path through the Helghast hordes. Clawing back his home planet and discovering the truth about his superiors – not least the real reason the Helghast were able to waltz through Vekta's defences – Templar sends a clear signal: we're not done yet... </p> <p>Remind yourself how the legend was forged. Revisit Killzone on PlayStation 2 now.</p> <p><b>Search and rescue</b></p> <p>The Helghast threat is pinned back, but it is growing. Captain Jan Templar has barely had time to patch himself up before being called upon once more to spearhead the most perilous ISA assault yet. In <a href="/psp/games/detail/item46090/Killzone™-Liberation/" target="_self">Killzone Liberation</a> for PSP, war waits for no one.</p> <p>With the sadistic Helghast commander General Armin Metrac newly installed, the rules of war are ripped up and a fevered campaign ravages Vekta. Despite having pushed back the enemy front line in Killzone, the ISA again finds itself in a Helghast stranglehold.</p> <p>Key to the reinvigorated Helghast war effort is the kidnapping of three pillars of the ISA – defence minister Heff Milcher, master tactician General Dwight Stratson and scientist Evelyn Batton – which means that hostage rescue is added to Templar's already daunting list of duties.</p> <p>Facing a doubly determined enemy equipped with a fearsome arsenal of military hardware, Templar regroups with Velasquez, Luger and Hakha to track the Helghast abductors and free their prisoners. And if some serious holes are blown through the Helghast strategy along the way, so much the better.     </p> <p>War has a curious capacity to spin a soldier's moral compass, and so it is that Templar discovers yet another defector to the Helghast cause. Yet despite facing suffocating odds at every turn, Templar manages to smash through the Helghast lines to set up an explosive showdown in a remote mountain fortress against his deadliest foe yet – Metrac himself.</p> <p>To miss Killzone Liberation is to give up on the fight halfway through. Download it from PlayStation Store to your PSP today. </p> <p><b>The prey turns hunter</b></p> <p>The ISA drives war directly into the Helghast heartland in <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item101902/Killzone®2/" target="_self">Killzone 2</a> for PlayStation 3. Revenge and total victory is the motivation behind a huge ISA assault force, and by taking the fight to Helghan, they are marching into the most hellish theatre of operations imaginable.</p> <p>Two years on from the invasion of Vekta in Killzone, the ISA decides it must capture its architect, Emperor Scolar Visari, to finally cripple the Helghast war machine. New hero Tomas 'Sev' Sevchenko, a flinty special forces veteran, is assigned to lead his crack squad on a mission to take the Helghan capital, Pyrrhus. However, the Helghast waste no time in displaying their superiority in their own backyard.</p> <p>Sev and the entire ISA high command – which now includes Killzone hero Jan Templar as fleet commander – quickly realise the scale of the challenge ahead. Choking atmospheric conditions, razor-sharp enemy tactics and freakish lightning storms that are turned against the ISA mean Visari and closure may be a step too far.</p> <p>The fighting exacts a terrible toll on Sev and his comrades. The initial ISA invasion force is reduced to a rabble in a devastating ambush, crucial members of the ISA effort are lost, even Rico Velasquez, fighting at Sev's side, is fast losing faith. However, one last push sees the two men – deeply troubled by the horrors they have witnessed – confront Visari, with far-reaching consequences.</p> <p>Cut off from the ISA, trapped in the most hostile surroundings conceivable and scarred by their efforts, Sev and Velasquez are left high and dry. The scene is set for <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item283457/Killzone®3/" target="_self">Killzone 3</a>, where, in Visari's own words, "the madness begins".</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp playstation 3, ps3, playstation move, ps move, psmove, ps3 move, ps3 motion control, motion controller, story so far, killzone, killzone 2, killzone 3, kill zone, k2, k3, killzone liberation, killzone history, killzone timeline, helghast, helghan, sev, tomas sevchenko, rico velasquez http://au.playstation.com/media/dnI9_HcI/161/Killzone3_FeaturedImage1.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/mH7bBmnc/161/KZ3_preview_20.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/FdHxaBvo/161/KZ3_preview_16.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/y2qJRwmU/161/KZ3_preview_17.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/DVdsG3SZ/161/KZ3_preview_18.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/a9RX5p_V/161/KZ3_preview_19.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/lNLECfI4/161/KZ3_preview_15.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/mH7bBmnc/218/KZ3_preview_20.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/FdHxaBvo/218/KZ3_preview_16.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/y2qJRwmU/218/KZ3_preview_17.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/DVdsG3SZ/218/KZ3_preview_18.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/a9RX5p_V/218/KZ3_preview_19.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/lNLECfI4/218/KZ3_preview_15.jpg 343461 341167 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item329551/Uncharted-2-wins-Aussie-Golden-Joystick/?site_locale=en_AU Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:54:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item329551/Uncharted-2-wins-Aussie-Golden-Joystick/?site_locale=en_AU 2010-12-13T22:54:00Z 2010-12-13T23:55:24Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item329551/Uncharted-2-wins-Aussie-Golden-Joystick/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=329551 <p>The Golden Joystick's recognise the best in games entertainment, and internationally the awards are a gaming tradition. They are now in their 28th year and the oldest and most prestigious gaming awards ceremony in the world, and most significantly, are voted for by gamers themselves.</p> <p><a href="http://www.futureplc.com.au/" target="_blank">Future Publishing Australia</a> has announced the winners of the locally voted for Australian Golden Joystick Awards and we're excited to say that <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item144532/Uncharted-2-Among-Thieves%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Uncharted 2: Among Thieves</a> took home the PlayStation Game of the Year 2010 Award - a great achievement considering it was up against the likes of <a href="../../ps3/games/detail/item155964/God-of-War%C2%AE-III/" target="_self">God of War III</a>, <a href="../../ps3/games/detail/item157692/Assassins-Creed%E2%84%A2-II/" target="_self">Assassin's Creed II</a>, <a href="../../ps3/games/detail/item149893/Modern-Warfare-2/" target="_self">Modern Warfare 2</a> and <a href="../../ps3/games/detail/item156327/Red-Dead-Redemption%E2%84%A2/" target="_self">Red Dead Redemption</a>.</p> <p>PSP exclusive title <a href="../../psp/games/detail/item245808/Metal-Gear-Solid-Peace-Walker/" target="_self">Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker</a> also took home the award for Handheld Game of the Year 2010.</p> <p>Karl Penn, MD of Future Publishing: "Having launched the inaugural awards last year, we are delighted with the high number of votes received for the second year of Golden Joystick awards in Australia. The objective in this market continues to be to acknowledge the successes and achievements of the local games industry and to celebrate that with an internationally recognised award."</p> <p>Darren Wells, Games Editor, Future Publishing added: "All nominees are to be congratulated and in another year of competitive voting the winners are well deserved. Importantly, the winners are voted for by Australian gamers - and significantly, they're the ones who are spending the dollars and buying the games, consoles and peripherals too which makes their voting so important for a number of reasons."</p> <p>The voting was conducted online, and promoted over an 8 week period via print and online advertising, along with social media channels including Facebook. The winners of each category will be presented with a Golden Joystick statuette at an event to be hosted in January 2011.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp Uncharted 2 wins Aussie Golden Joystick, golden joystick awards, future publishing australia, karl penn, darren wells, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, awards, winners http://au.playstation.com/media/MEhhDT3h/161/goldenjoystick2010_feature.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/232608/161/Uncharted%202%20print%20screen%202.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/232603/161/Drake-collapses.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/232595/161/U2%20co-op-chloe-drake.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/230267/161/UC2AT-Urban-warfare-melee.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/232608/218/Uncharted%202%20print%20screen%202.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/232603/218/Drake-collapses.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/232595/218/U2%20co-op-chloe-drake.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/230267/218/UC2AT-Urban-warfare-melee.jpg 329551 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item326547/A-history-of-Gran-Turismo/?site_locale=en_AU Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:55:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item326547/A-history-of-Gran-Turismo/?site_locale=en_AU 2010-12-07T09:55:00Z 2010-12-10T01:58:08Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item326547/A-history-of-Gran-Turismo/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=326547 <p>It was back in 1998 that the sleek European box art for the original <b>Gran Turismo</b> on PlayStation featured a mysterious supercar covered in cloth. The world soon discovered that beneath that cover was the start of the most successful series in PlayStation history; one that would redefine the driving genre with ultrarealistic graphics and handling. The Real Driving Simulator was born.</p> <p>The two distinct categories of racing game during that era were arcade and simulation, focusing on excitement and realism, respectively. Gran Turismo featured both in the form of two completely separate modes, and boasted nearly 200 cars to choose from - far more than any racing game at the time.</p> <p>Simulation Mode recreated the life of a racing driver, with the player even having to obtain racing licences of different grades to compete in certain events. Credits, the Gran Turismo currency, could be spent on the world's most luxurious cars and new parts to get them ready for the track. This level of detail had never been seen before and soon Gran Turismo was the talk of the real life racing world as well as the gaming one.</p> <p><b>The evolution of a driving experience</b></p> <p><b>Gran Turismo 2</b> followed two years later, building on the core gameplay of the original and upping the stable of cars to an astonishing 650. The credibility of this collection was bolstered by the enthusiasm of the series' creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, who is widely regarded as a connoisseur of cars both classic and new, highlighting the bond between developer Polyphony Digital and the car manufacturers.</p> <p>"Relationships with manufacturers have always been very important to us in Gran Turismo," explains Yamauchi. "And that's because the cars which we cover in the game are something that is open to society. Gran Turismo is always looking to communicate with the world outside of the games industry. It's something that will continue to give us new creative motivation and insight that will influence us and allow us to keep evolving."</p> <p>PlayStation 2 arrived in Europe in 2000 and the world waited to see what Polyphony would come up with using this new, more powerful hardware. The answer came a year later with <b>Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec</b>, a game that would make casual observers do a double take when they found out they were watching a videogame rather than a real race. </p> <p>The game included 150 cars - fewer than its predecessors due to the level of realism achieved and the time it took to capture the fine detail of each one. However, that was plenty for Gran Turismo fans, as the motorsport had never before been depicted so thoroughly in a videogame.</p> <p><b>Speeding up</b></p> <p>Before <b>Gran Turismo 4</b> arrived there was <b>Gran Turismo 4 Prologue</b>, which gave a taste of the game ahead of its release. The full game, which launched in 2005, included more than 700 cars from 80 manufacturers, spanning from the 1886 Daimler Motor Carriage to concept cars looking as far ahead as 2022.</p> <p>The game also introduced the B-Spec game mode which allowed players to move away from the driving seat and into the role of race manager, deciding how hard your driver should push, when he should overtake and when to call for a pit stop. Driving missions were another new addition, resembling the Licence Test challenges and themed around certain aspects of racing, such as slipstreaming.</p> <p>While a limited edition version of Gran Turismo 4 used the Network Gaming capabilities of PS2, Gran Turismo players in Europe started their first online races in 2008 thanks to <b>Gran Turismo 5 Prologue</b> on PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Network. It was the first game in the series to feature a full suite of network features such as online racing, leaderboards and GT-TV, a service that allowed players to watch motorsport programmes in-game.</p> <p><b>Take it to the track</b></p> <p>Gran Turismo 5 Prologue also unearthed a potential star in Lucas Ordonez. The winner of the inaugural <b>GT Academy</b> - a search for the fastest GT players in Europe - went on to earn his racing licences, compete in the 24 hour Dubai Endurance Race as his prize and then became a professional racing driver as a result. GT Academy represents a particularly proud moment for Yamauchi: "It was a dream I had when I first started developing a driving simulator, especially because I was confident that one day it would come true. And when it really came to be in the 2008 GT Academy, it was incredibly exciting."</p> <p>While the Real Driving Simulator had people racing around the world from the comfort of their own homes, Polyphony Digital switched lanes in 2009 with <b>Gran Turismo</b> on PSP. Speeding onto the handheld entertainment system with over 800 car models and 35 tracks, as well as Ad Hoc Mode multiplayer racing and player-to-player car trading, the depth and thrills of an authentic driving experience quickly sped off as a fast favourite for PSP owners.</p> <p><b>Driving towards a new industry standard</b></p> <p>Now <b>Gran Turismo 5</b> the Real Driving Simulator is set to teach another generation of PlayStation gamers how to drive. With more than a thousand cars, 20 stunning locations, stereoscopic 3D support and a brand new game engine, it's looking and handling better than ever. "We always set very high goals and ideals for our games," says Yamauchi. "And as long as we actually achieve our goals and fulfil our expectations I'm sure it will set the new industry standard."</p> ps3,ps2,psp ps3, playstation3, gran turismo, gran turismo 5, gt5, racing, driving, the ultimate driving simulator, simulator, sim, cars, fast cars, sports cars, the real driving simulator, history, history of gt, gran turismo 2, gran turismo 3, gran turismo 4, gt4, gt2, gt3, gran turismo 3: a spec, gran turismo 5 prologue, psp, playstation one, ps one, playstation 2, ps2, http://au.playstation.com/media/HGLJ77sv/161/GT_FeaturedImage.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/fPdYlDkj/161/GT2_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Mmpkz0YE/161/GT3_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Y1CgHzF4/161/GT1_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/6sFTTPug/161/GT2_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/SqqREA-E/161/GT2_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/dAks5c3w/161/GT4Prologue_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/5a1XemYr/161/GTPSP_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/HTwloDPV/161/GT5Prologue_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/peXjug-A/161/GT5Prologue_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/oRonjMDH/161/GT3_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/focY8kAn/161/GTPSP_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/qN0G1kBd/161/GT4_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vDu6noAq/161/GT3_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/rI_3OWMA/161/GT5_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0VTRj30B/161/GT4_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/bvm50qep/161/GT5Prologue_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/4Mmh-Wbc/161/GT4Prologue_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YJOXT6z0/161/GT5_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/p0go6Y8a/161/GTPSP_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/lv1WYd8n/161/GT5_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Di5WZcv-/161/GT4_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/fPdYlDkj/218/GT2_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Mmpkz0YE/218/GT3_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Y1CgHzF4/218/GT1_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/6sFTTPug/218/GT2_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/SqqREA-E/218/GT2_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/dAks5c3w/218/GT4Prologue_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/5a1XemYr/218/GTPSP_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/HTwloDPV/218/GT5Prologue_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/peXjug-A/218/GT5Prologue_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/oRonjMDH/218/GT3_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/focY8kAn/218/GTPSP_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/qN0G1kBd/218/GT4_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vDu6noAq/218/GT3_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/rI_3OWMA/218/GT5_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/0VTRj30B/218/GT4_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/bvm50qep/218/GT5Prologue_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/4Mmh-Wbc/218/GT4Prologue_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/YJOXT6z0/218/GT5_sc002.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/p0go6Y8a/218/GTPSP_sc001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/lv1WYd8n/218/GT5_sc003.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/Di5WZcv-/218/GT4_sc003.jpg 326547 323093 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item310918/Obsession-Confessions-Gran-Turismo/?site_locale=en_AU Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:00:00 +0000 http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item310918/Obsession-Confessions-Gran-Turismo/?site_locale=en_AU 2010-11-29T17:00:00Z 2010-11-30T09:38:22Z http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item310918/Obsession-Confessions-Gran-Turismo/?WT.SocialLink=FacebookLike&WT.ContentID=310918 <p>With the eagerly awaited PlayStation 3 driving game <a href="/ps3/games/detail/item239614/Gran-Turismo%C2%AE-5/" target="_self">Gran Turismo 5</a> under starter's orders, we asked the PlayStation community which car from the highly regarded series was closest to their gear-heads and hearts. Check out the top ten picks and selected quotes from the official PlayStation Forums.</p> <p><b>1. Nissan Skyline</b></p> <p>"This was in fact the very first car I bought with Gran Turismo. I really hope it will be included in GT5 as a premium car!" <b>(FRANOVANTA)</b></p> <p>"I just love it. I always remember how it was modified in Gran Turismo 2, with its dark green paint job and red front spoiler; I loved driving it and it was great to look at." <b>(Bernalocko)</b></p> <p><b>2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution</b></p> <p>"I'd pick it for the great look and its effectiveness on the road as well as snow and earth." <b>(GIBS-45)</b></p> <p>"It was so easy to drive which meant I probably travelled thousands of kilometres with this car." <b>(Alum77)</b></p> <p><b>3. Suzuki Escudo </b></p> <p>"Say whatever you want; this car looks like a brute yet it's still my favourite." <b>(slomka)</b></p> <p>"The car of my dreams, it looks amazing!" <b>(balpares)</b></p> <p><b>4. Dodge Viper </b></p> <p>"This car makes a real difference thanks to its unique style and power." <b>(angel-nikita)</b></p> <p>"I fell in love with this car thanks to the original Gran Turismo and it's still my preferred car!" <b>(Juventino17)</b></p> <p><b>5. Ford GT40</b></p> <p>"Because of its history and its beautifully harmonious lines." <b>(corpocannibal)</b></p> <p><b>6. Alfa Romeo 155 </b></p> <p>"If two plus two is four and I love racing and Alfa Romeo, then racing plus Alfa Romeo equals the 155 V6!" <b>(Alum77)</b></p> <p><b>7. Subaru Impreza </b></p> <p>"This just blows everything else away." <b>(r_o_s_s_7_7)</b></p> <p>"I've always been an Impreza fan, from driving the Impreza Type R in GT, until I fell in love with the 22b model." <b>(Valadian)</b></p> <p><b>8. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray L46 350 </b></p> <p>"A spectacular design line; I've had some great times driving this car." <b>(labuenacara)</b></p> <p><b>9. Ferrari F40 </b></p> <p>"The legendary Ferrari F40. The most beautiful Ferrari ever." <b>(IKerotan_7)</b></p> <p>"You can admire water and fire for hours, but you can admire this car forever. You own the car and still observe all the beauty. Dreams can come true, but you never stop dreaming about this car." <b>(drdizzy)</b></p> <p><b>10. Mercedes SLS AMG</b></p> <p>"Elegant and the kind of car dreams are made of." <b>(playstar99)</b></p> <p>Thanks to all those who got involved and contributed via the official PlayStation Forums. Head over to the <a href="http://community.eu.playstation.com/playstationeu/?category.id=cANZ" target="_blank">official PlayStation Forums</a> and keep the conversation flowing about Gran Turismo 5 and all things PlayStation.</p> <p>PlayStation Australia has arrived on Facebook. Post comments and share all the latest PlayStation happenings along with the rest of the PlayStation community at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU" target="_blank">Official Australian Facebook Fan Page</a>.</p> ps3,ps2,psp ps3, playstation 3, racing, gran turismo, obsession confessions, community, participate, gt, favorite, cars, picks, top, favourite, gt, 40 http://au.playstation.com/media/uAMtW90B/161/ObsessionsConfessions_GT.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vg7cLMLX/161/CIrcuit%20de%20la%20Sarthe_Ford_GT40%20mark%20IV%20Race%20Car_001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/D87AgVBJ/161/sls_10_03.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/RSQMSMrQ/161/IMPREZA_WRC_2008_05.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/C0wpLjwB/161/Rome_Ferrari_F40_001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/K50NOo3M/161/Fuji%20Speedway_Mitsubishi_Lancer%20Evolution%20IV%20GSR_001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/vg7cLMLX/218/CIrcuit%20de%20la%20Sarthe_Ford_GT40%20mark%20IV%20Race%20Car_001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/D87AgVBJ/218/sls_10_03.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/RSQMSMrQ/218/IMPREZA_WRC_2008_05.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/C0wpLjwB/218/Rome_Ferrari_F40_001.jpg http://au.playstation.com/media/K50NOo3M/218/Fuji%20Speedway_Mitsubishi_Lancer%20Evolution%20IV%20GSR_001.jpg 310918 310899