Archive for the ‘Demos’ Category
Mortal Kombat Demo 3D Hands-On: What You’ll Get On Tuesday
Posted by Sid Shuman in 3D, Demos, mortal kombat, netherrealm studios, PlayStation Games, playstation plus, PS3, PSN on March 4th, 2011
Sometimes, life is about the simple pleasures. The contented cooing of a sleepy puppy. The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The sickening crunch of Scorpion stomping your rib cage while an X-ray view displays the internal damage in real time. In 3D.
Yes, friends. I have played the Mortal Kombat PSN demo, and it is good. Comprised of four characters and two stages, the demo is a meaty preview of what to expect when the full game hits PS3 on April 19th (April 21st in the EU). PlayStation Plus subscribers are getting early access this coming Tuesday, March 8th (March 9th in the EU) and it’ll be delivered directly to your PS3 as long as you enable Automatic Downloads in your XMB settings. All other PSN users will be able to download the demo on Tuesday, March 15th.
The demo comes with four playable fighters: Johnny Cage, Mileena, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero. Fan-favorite Scorpion is nastier than ever, packing his trademark throwing spear (“Get over here!”) and a wicked new sword, while rival ninja Sub-Zero forges weapons from ice and shatters internal organs with a touch. Hollywood prima donna Johnny Cage hits below the belt, and sai-wielding mutant assassin Mileena makes no effort to hide her gleaming five-inch fangs. You’ll also get two environments: The Living Forest and The Pit, complete with its gruesome stage fatality.
Mortal Kombat’s stereoscopic 3D viewing mode is exclusive to the PS3, and I was lucky enough to try it on a massive 60’’ 3D Sony Bravia. Stereoscopic 3D lends an impressive sense of grandeur and scope — the environments seem to stretch on into infinity but don’t distract from the fighting. “We didn’t want 3D to change the basic mechanics or complicate things needlessly,” Mortal Kombat creative director and series co-creator Ed Boon told me. “Our 3D implementation makes the characters pop from the background a little more, and helps you focus on them.” By rendering the fighters in 2D for its stereoscopic 3D mode, Mortal Kombat’s action remains visible even if you’re not wearing 3D glasses. This is a handy detail if you’re playing with a group on a 3D TV and find yourself short of 3D glasses — everyone will be able to play and watch whether they wear 3D glasses or not. If you’re not wearing glasses, the 3D backgrounds will look a bit blurry but the characters will appear crisp and clean.
Gameplay-wise, the Mortal Kombat demo is loaded with special attacks, combos, juggles, and ultra-powerful X-ray attacks that will leave your opponents reeling (and your stomach heaving). The action is fast and satisfying, with a 2D, side-scrolling feel that’s much closer in spirit to MKII or MK3. A standout example lies in the glorious return of the turn-around kick, which is a powerful juggle combo starter where you jump over an opponent and kick after you clear his shoulder. Judging by my hands-on time, turn-around kicks — a staple of the classic games but downplayed in later entries — are back in full force. According to Boon, this is by design. “We know turn-around kicks are an essential ingredient this time,” Boon told me. With a little practice, I was able to easily perform my signature Scorpion combo from Mortal Kombat II: Turn-around jump kick, teleport punch, spear throw followed by an uppercut or combo for an easy 25-30% damage. Not bad, but I’m sure some of you can do much better!
The Mortal Kombat demo supports two modes: One-on-one Versus battles (the final game supports two-on-two tag battles as well), and a short single-player Ladder mode. Protip: Completing that Ladder mode in the PSN demo unlocks a jaw-dropping video montage of the final game, complete with glimpses of new fatalities, returning characters, and impressive new stages. I won’t spill any secrets, but consider that video to be required viewing.
Oh, and one more thing: The “Toasty” guy is back. I’ve seen him! Have any questions about the features or feel of the upcoming PS3 Mortal Kombat demo? I’ll be delighted to provide further information, just ask away in the comments.
Fight Night Champion Demo: How You Can Help Shape the Sweet Science
Posted by Alain Quinto in Demos, ea sports, fight night champion, PlayStation Games, PS3 on February 14th, 2011
Previously I mentioned how it’s been a first for EA SPORTS to have a dedicated story-driven Champion Mode alongside an enhanced Legacy Career Mode. Another first now comes with the demo that allows gamers to play head-to-head online until end of day February 17th. The beta period serves as an opportunity not only for fans of the series to get a taste of the game with their friends, but also as a means to gather feedback for the development team, who will have the ability to tweak certain aspects of gameplay without title updates.
“This year, we have set the game up so that we can update several game play variables online and deploy them fairly quickly without having to patch the game,” explains Gameplay Producer Brian Hayes. “With these ‘Tuner Sets’ we can make slight adjustments to stamina, punch power, counter windows, boxing ratings, and Create Boxer XP growth for online and offline gameplay. For offline gameplay alone, we will be able to adjust AI and Legacy Mode logic if we are finding that these can help make for an authentic in-ring experience.”
As I also manage the NHL community, who first used the Tuner Sets, I know that both the community and developers have benefited from not having to go through the longer process of providing title updates. Hayes goes on to say that not all gameplay aspects can be changed — however, judging by the comments from some demo players, the game may not need any changes at all.
“Fight Night Champion goes into a new direction as it continues the quest of capturing the essence and vision of the sport of boxing while building off of its previous foundations in a significant attempt to be considered one of the best sports games ever created,” says Anthony Lynn aka Indigo72 on PSN of UntilTheNextRound.com.
Ant was one of seven community members we invited participate in an early feedback session back in October of 2010. This group brought along a multi-page wishlist for the dev team and, so far, the demo is being regarded as much improved, especially in the online virtual ring where a lot of the cheese and sometimes unrealistic play from Round 4 has been removed.
To this point, online connectivity has been solid as over 1.5 million bouts have been played online and we hope gamers can continue to play during the time online is available to receive that continued feedback. You’re also welcome to comment below with your feedback on the demo or if you have any questions that I may be able to field on behalf of the developers.
Check my previous entry here on the PlayStation.Blog for the Full Spectrum Punch Controls video. And today, I’m providing some diagrams from the Controls Tutorials Blog on our FNC homepage along with some basics to get you started with the demo. But first you have to go download it…so do that NOW!
FSPC enables you to use the Right Stick to throw punches. Flicking the Right Stick to the Left will throw punches with your left hand, while flicking the Right Stick to the Right will throw punches with your right hand.
When you flick the stick at different angles, the boxer will throw different punches. Flicking the Right Stick Upwards will throw Straight punches, flicking the Right Stick to the Side will throw Hooking punches and flicking the Right Stick Downwards will throw Uppercut
The Drop: Week of Nov 29th 2010 New Releases
Posted by Rey Gutierrez in Demos, new releases, PS3, PSN, the drop on November 28th, 2010
That sound you’ve been hearing all week of thousands of boulders barreling down outside your window is actually me rolling up and down my apartment after feasting on a Rubenstein-cooked Thanksgiving meal. Who knew Jeff could single-handedly cook a mean turkey and carry a high score on Dead Nation. For an acquired taste and an appetite for brains (with a side of cranberry sauce), the PlayStation Network delivers a city full of undead zombies seasoned to perfection in the highly anticipated title, Dead Nation. Could you ask for a better way to ring in the holidays?
We’re only a few weeks shy of wrapping up another amazing year for PlayStation 3, which begs the question — what were your favorite gaming moments or titles to drop in 2010, and what would you like to see from team PlayStation in the new year? Discuss in the comments while you check out this week’s The Drop!
PlayStation Network
Dead Nation – Sometime in the not-too-distant future, a deadly virus is once again sweeping the globe, infecting everyone in its path and killing off almost all the human race. To the horror of the survivors, the dead have begun rising from the grave, hell-bent on feeding on the living and wiping out mankind for good. But, just as it seems all is lost, a small pocket of survivors emerges, determined to take back the world from the undead.
(PS Blog Coverage: Dead Nation – Turning Up The Heat)
Funky Lab Rat (Demo Available & PlayStation Move Compatible) – Become a super-powered rat and escape from lab captivity in Funky Lab Rat. To make your exciting escape, you can stop time and rearrange 81 levels in 10 worlds thanks to the PlayStation Move motion controller or a DualShock 3 wireless controller.
PlayStation 3
Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos — Capturing the drama and excitement of the Discovery Channel’s Emmy-winning TV series Deadliest Catch, this game challenges players to take on the world’s toughest job, crab fishing. Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos combines strategy and action as players chart a course through the unforgiving Bering Sea on a quest for Opilio and King Crab.
Nail’d — Nail’d is a racing game that is all about eschewing boring realism for over the top arcade fun. It’s a racer that challenges everything from player reflexes through to the rules of physics. Riding on ATVs and motocross bikes with powerful boost controls, players will race down near-vertical courses of incredible jumps, stunts and obstacles.
Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition – A sci-fi action RPG from acclaimed developer Gearbox, Borderlands combines the best in first-person action with player customization and vehicular combat for incredible layers of gameplay depth. Borderlands Game of the Year Edition includes tokens for Claptrap’s New Robot Revolution, The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot, and The Secret Armory of General Knoxx.
PSone Japan Imports
Blockids — Choose one of eight cartoon characters and bounce, blast and batter your way past an array of formidable, fortress-like block barriers in Natsume’s revolutionary 3-D twist on an arcade classic.
Dezaemon Plus — Dezaemon is a shooter fanatics dream with the ability to create your very own waves of enemy vessels on short circuit, bosses that put the fear back in the word, cavernous tunnels at breakneck speeds accomplished without the Yaroze development tool.
[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]
Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves, LittleBigPlanet 2 Demo, Beta Expansion All Coming in December
Posted by Eric Levine in beta, Demos, littlebigplanet 2, media molecule, PlayStation Games, PS3 on November 18th, 2010
One of the promises we made after moving the LittleBigPlanet 2 release date was that we’d find a way to give you all additional LittleBigPlanet goodness ahead of the new game’s January 18 release date. Well, now I’m pleased to share the good news with you. Here’s what we have in store…
Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves
This is a brand new spin-off PSN title that showcases all of the fun that can be had when Sackboy gets his hands on the PlayStation Move motion controller. Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves contains a brand new 10 level theme dominated by dinosaurs, where the Evil Big Rex is king. Throughout your mission you must take on challenges engineered by Terrance Dactyl – and you’re going to some need help, so put on your bear skins and grab up to four friends to navigate the tough terrain of the tropical jungle dodging erupting volcanoes and other environmental hazards standing in your way.
The player with the PlayStation Move controller leads the charge, flicking switches and triggering platforms to help the other players, using DualShock Controllers, through each level. Leap between Dino heads, use the Move controller to blast aside crates of bubbles, ride dinosaurs through prehistoric cities, and take to the heights of tree canopies—then team up to defeat Big Rex, all while collecting Trophies along the way.
Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves is completely standalone – it doesn’t require the original LittleBigPlanet game or LittleBigPlanet 2 to run. What you will need is one PlayStation Move controller (and the PlayStation Eye camera, of course) and at least one friend with a DualShock Controller – since it is a Move-required and multiplayer-only co-op experience. The game will also be included on the LittleBigPlanet 2 disc when it is released on January 18.
But, for everyone who’s desperate to have some motion-controlled fun with Sackboy before then, and for the new PS3 and Move owners who haven’t yet gotten acquainted with our stitched-together friend, Sackboy – Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves will be available on the PlayStation Store on December 14 for $5.99.
That’s not all though! A week earlier, on December 7, all PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to download Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves for free! And, as an extra “thank you,” thousands of LittleBigPlanet supporters will receive Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves for free; stay tuned for more details as we get closer to December 7.
For all you Move fans, Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves is a lot of fun, but it only scratches the surface of what’s possible when PlayStation Move and LittleBigPlanet team up, so keep an eye out for more updates after the release of LittleBigPlanet 2.
LittleBigPlanet 2 Story Mode Demo
Now for some more great news…there will be a LittleBigPlanet 2 PSN demo coming your way on December 21! This demo will give everyone a taste of the new Story Mode in LittleBigPlanet 2, along with our new gameplay mechanics – including CREATE! Swing from different objects with the Grapple
Hook, rescue helpless Sackbots, and experience the chaotic multiplayer fun that blows up when the competitive scoring mode is coupled with Sacboys and Sackgirls armed with the new Creatinator! The LittleBigPlanet 2 Story Mode demo will be available on the PlayStation Store on December 21, so keep an eye on the calendar.
LittleBigPlanet 2 Beta Trial
Over the past few weeks, it’s truly been astonishing to see the creations that have come out of the LittleBigPlanet 2 beta trial. In fact, we’ve been so impressed, we’re going to expand the beta trial a bit further, so in early December, a new batch of invitations will go out, including PlayStation Plus subscribers, more community contributors, and even some giveaways. Stay tuned early next month for more info!
So, to summarize all of the above…
- Early December—A new batch of beta trial invites will be sent out to PlayStation Plus members and more! (exact date tbd)
- December 7—PlayStation Plus subscribers and a big bunch of LBP supporters will get Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves for free!
- December 14—Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves will be available on the PlayStation Store for $5.99!
- December 21—LittleBigPlanet 2 demo will be available to everyone!
The Shoot Targets PlayStation Move Today, PSN Demo Coming Soon
Posted by Jefferson Dong in demo, Demos, PlayStation Games, playstation move, PS3, the shoot on October 19th, 2010
Today is an exciting day for arcade shooter fans, because PlayStation Move’s new shooter, The Shoot, is now on store shelves across North America! Also available today is the PlayStation Move Shooting Attachment ($19.99) which lets you hold the motion controller like a pistol for a more immersive experience when playing games like The Shoot.
To get you amped up for the games release, we’re posting a demo of The Shoot later today on PSN. Check out the fast-paced shooting action today by sampling the Outlawed level before you buy the game.
For those of you who aren’t up to speed, The Shoot is a new game for PlayStation Move that lets you become the ultimate action movie hero. In order to earn that title, you’ll have to impress the director who’s cast you in his latest blockbuster.
Hit the studio lot and get ready to blast through elaborate sets featuring massively destructible environments. On location at the Haunted House Party, Outlawed, Robot Rebellion, Deep Perils and The Mob sets, you’ll be able to shoot out subway tiles, blast through warehouse windows and even trigger special effect explosions by firing at barrels of TNT. Then get down to serious business and take aim to annihilate sinister villains ranging from aliens to robots to zombies.
Accuracy is key in The Shoot if you want to keep the director happy. Use the PlayStation Move motion controller’s precision to take down your targets on cue, and you’ll earn special moves to help you pull off extreme action sequences. Stay sharp, because being a star on the set of The Shoot is a hazardous job. During your takes, you’ll have to hit your targets while dodging attacks from enemies as they throw knives, fire off rounds and launch missiles.
Prove that you’ve got the skills to make your movie a box office smash, and rise through the online leader boards. Then, share the spotlight by inviting a friend to get in on the fun and co-star in a co-op showdown.
We hope that you enjoy the demo on PSN, and be sure to pick up The Shoot and the Shooting Attachment for PlayStation Move today for the full experience.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta Demo Available Tomorrow
Posted by Ken Chan in Demos, god of war ghost of sparta, PlayStation Games, psp, ready at dawn studios on September 27th, 2010
Be sure to stay glued to the PlayStation Store tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th, as the God of War: Ghost of Sparta Demo will be included as part of the general PlayStation Store Update! With our November 2nd release date just around the corner, this is one Store update you won’t want to miss!
For those still haven’t pre-ordered, be sure to keep a close eye on our weekly update of “Six Reasons to Pre-order God of War: Ghost of Sparta” as we provide PlayStation.Blog readers an in-depth look at each of the exclusive pre-order items from the ultimate bundle. Each update will include a behind-the-scenes look, including developer interviews and audio-video for reference with the best saved for last – highlights from God of War Live, our Game Directors roundtable discussion and a glimpse at the brand new Ghost of Sparta PS3 Dynamic Theme – both have yet be revealed so stay tuned.
Remember, for those planning to purchase the Ghost of Sparta UMD version or Entertainment Pack of God of War: Ghost of Sparta, you must pre-order the game before November 2nd, 2010 in order to take advantage of the six exclusive pre-order items for free. PSPgo owners will be able to take advantage of the pre-order exclusives by purchasing God of War: Ghost of Sparta from November 2nd, 2010 to November 9th, 2010
Every End, Must First Begin!
NBA Elite 11 Demo Available Tonight
Posted by Yaw in Demos, ea sports, nba elite 11, PlayStation Games, PS3, PSN on September 20th, 2010
Hey everyone, its Yaw here again – NBA Community Manager from Electronic Arts Canada. As I eluded to in August, we have a whole new game this year with more to offer than ever before. It’s finally demo time, and with all the changes we’ve made to the game we wanted to make sure that you got a chance to scope it all out by downloading it on PSN. Here is a sneak peek into what you can expect in this year’s demo.
One of the key changes we made this year was introducing all-new Hands-On Control. This puts the control of the player in your hands, and gets rid of the dice-roll shooting, canned animations, and loss of control you’ve experienced in past NBA Basketball video games. Like putting in time at the gym, there’s a learning curve with Hands-On Control. But once you feel the difference, you’ll know why we changed everything. To compare Hands-On Control to the old button configuration, you can switch back in your Lakers-Celtics game in the demo through Pause-> Menu -> Setting -> Control Setting. We really encourage you to put in the time in Practice Mode with the Hands-On Control and feel the difference versus our old controls.
We’ve also introduced an all-new Become Legendary – Be A Pro mode. In the demo you’ll be able to create your own legend and start your career in the Jordan Draft Showcase game. You can carry your pro into the retail version of the game and create your own path to becoming a legend. If you pre-order at GameStop, you can also get an exclusive Jordan Brand boost pack for your Become Legendary player.
This is only a small piece of what we’ve done to change the game this year, and bring you the ability to actually control the outcome of the game. With all this, Real AI, Real Physics, and EA SPORTS Basketball Association, we hope you enjoy what the development team has worked so hard to bring you this year, the next generation in NBA video gaming.
And don’t forget, when you purchase NBA ELITE 11 you’ll get three modes of NBA JAM included free.
So check out the demo soon on PSN, practice your skills in the open gym, and then bring your game to the retail version of NBA ELITE 11 available October 5.
Heavy Rain on PlayStation Move Comes 9/22
Posted by Jefferson Dong in Demos, heavy rain, playstation eye, PlayStation Games, playstation move, PS3, quantic dream on September 13th, 2010
Greetings psychological thriller fans! We are extremely excited to announce that Heavy Rain will be available to play on PlayStation Move motion peripherals starting on September 22nd.
Utilizing the extreme precision of the PlayStation Move motion controller (as well as the PlayStation Move navigation controller and the PlayStation Eye camera), players can become completely immersed in the search for the Origami Killer through controls that mimic real-world motions.
For those of you who already have a copy of Heavy Rain, we will be releasing the Heavy Rain Move patch on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. Just boot up Heavy Rain (assuming you also have an internet connection) and it will automatically download to your PS3. This FREE patch will allow current owners of Heavy Rain to play the game with the new PlayStation Move controls and experience a whole new way of playing Heavy Rain.
In addition, we will be releasing the Heavy Rain Move demo on the PlayStation Store during the following week on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. This is a completely FREE standalone demo that features two of the early levels from the game, Sleazy Place and Crime Scene, and is fully playable with the PlayStation Move (note: you will need the motion controller, the navigation controller, and the PlayStation Eye camera).
Heavy Rain has been given a PlayStation Move makeover so expect to be drawn into the action more than ever. Now, your every move will make a difference!
Enjoy playing Heavy Rain again with the PlayStation Move, or for the first time!
What’s on the PlayStation Move Demo Disc: 11 Game Demos Exposed
Posted by Sid Shuman in Demos, PlayStation Games, playstation move, PS3 on September 10th, 2010
Last week saw Jeff and I unboxing the first PlayStation Move Bundle, which contains a PlayStation Eye camera, PlayStation Move motion controller, a full copy of Sports Champions …
…and a demo disc. A rather mysterious demo disc. Today, Rey’s latest video masterpiece gives a tour of the 11 game demos you’ll find on the Blu-ray disc tucked neatly inside your PlayStation Move Bundle or PlayStation 3 Sports Champions Move Bundle come September 19th.
Cool detail: You can install each of the demos onto your PS3’s HDD and park the disc on a shelf or lend it to a friend, if you so desire.
And hey, if you don’t have time for the video tour, direct your eyes to the full list of demos below. Which demo are you most interested in trying?
- Beat Sketcher
- echochrome ii
- EyePet
- Kung Fu Rider
- Sports Champions
- Start the Party!
- The Shoot
- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
- Time Crisis: Razing Storm
- Tumble
- TV Superstars
Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes Demo Hits PSN Tomorrow
Posted by Brian Keltner in capcom, Demos, Inside PlayStation, PlayStation Games, PS3, sengoku basara: samurai heroes on September 6th, 2010
Action Fans, history buffs, Anime enthusiasts, and anyone else who wants a fun time punishing enemies: the Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes demo for PlayStation 3 gives you a sample of what to expect when it arrives on PSN tomorrow, September 7. Featuring two playable samurai, the demo lets you pick up the swords of Mitsunari Ishida or smash your enemies into the ground using bare hands as Ieyasu Tokugawa, each with a few leveled up moves. When the full game arrives on October 12, you’ll have more than a dozen playable characters to choose from, each with their own weapons, fighting styles, and move sets.
From the creator of Devil May Cry 4, Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes puts you smack in the middle of the war between clans in 16th century Japan. With notable samurai taken from Japanese history, but stylized into veritable war machines, choose a side and form alliances as you battle hundreds of enemies in the effort to unite, divide, conquer, or bring peace to the land. On your way to the final battle, you’ll upgrade your weapons and learn powerful new moves including deadly BASARA arts which allow you to unleash spectacular moves that wipe out multitudes of enemies.
I’ll leave you with a tip: while it’s not always necessary to take down the camp commanders in order to progress through the game, occupying a camp can give you added bonuses such as weakening the final opponent. So fight hard and fight smart.
Hop online, download, and enjoy! Be sure you don’t miss Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes when it arrives in North America on October 12.