http://likelions.com/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:19:41 -0500 MyBB http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2212 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:47:35 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2212 Have you noticed? We've upgraded our comments system to make it just a little bit easier for you. There are now three tabs for you to choose from: New Readers, Returning and a fancy new AOL button. Returning readers will be able to use their existing log-in information as usual. However, there's a bonus for those of you that have been too confused by our comments system in the past.If you use AOL or AIM, you can use your existing screenname and password to leave comments on the Joystiq network. The first time you use your AOL/AIM name, you'll get an e-mail sent to your account with a temporary password. This will let you change your avatar and info on our sites. To access your account, simply click on your avatar on your previous comments. We really hope that this new system will make it easier for you to participate in our community -- especially if you haven't left a comment before!If you're new to the comments section, why not give it a try? You'll be surprised at how easy it is!]]> Have you noticed? We've upgraded our comments system to make it just a little bit easier for you. There are now three tabs for you to choose from: New Readers, Returning and a fancy new AOL button. Returning readers will be able to use their existing log-in information as usual. However, there's a bonus for those of you that have been too confused by our comments system in the past.If you use AOL or AIM, you can use your existing screenname and password to leave comments on the Joystiq network. The first time you use your AOL/AIM name, you'll get an e-mail sent to your account with a temporary password. This will let you change your avatar and info on our sites. To access your account, simply click on your avatar on your previous comments. We really hope that this new system will make it easier for you to participate in our community -- especially if you haven't left a comment before!If you're new to the comments section, why not give it a try? You'll be surprised at how easy it is!]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2211 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:47:34 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2211 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2206 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:13:59 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2206 The PS2 is unquestionably one of the greatest successes of videogaming history. However, it appears that the high manufacturing costs of Sony's latest effort has negated all the profit they made from the PS2 hardware -- at least according to developer Dave Perry, with information obtained from research firm DFC Intelligence (via 1UP). It's estimated that the console, which cost Sony up to $260 of losses per system sold, has left Sony with a total loss of $3 billion in the PS3's life so far.While these figures seem rather bleak, one has to note the careful language used in the report is specifically about hardware, not software. Ultimately, Sony's goal is to profit off of its first-party offerings, and the licensing fees imposed upon third party developers.[Via Joystiq]]]> The PS2 is unquestionably one of the greatest successes of videogaming history. However, it appears that the high manufacturing costs of Sony's latest effort has negated all the profit they made from the PS2 hardware -- at least according to developer Dave Perry, with information obtained from research firm DFC Intelligence (via 1UP). It's estimated that the console, which cost Sony up to $260 of losses per system sold, has left Sony with a total loss of $3 billion in the PS3's life so far.While these figures seem rather bleak, one has to note the careful language used in the report is specifically about hardware, not software. Ultimately, Sony's goal is to profit off of its first-party offerings, and the licensing fees imposed upon third party developers.[Via Joystiq]]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2207 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:13:59 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2207 Update: American gamers can now get in on the action. For details, click here.Fancy a trip to Tokyo with five of your friends? Konami has announced that a European Metal Gear Online Tournament will begin very shortly which will allow you to win exactly that. Check out the official website and sign up today and you'll take part in one of the preliminary tournaments over the next few weeks. These will be straight Team Deathmatch games, with the best two teams being flown to Tokyo for the world final (indicating that Japanese and American tournaments should be announced soon) during the Tokyo Game Show. Tokyo Game Show takes place from the 9th to the 13th of October, so it's probably best that you make sure you're free for those dates before taking part. Over 250 teams will be competing, which sounds a lot, but really you've got a 1-in-125 chance of going through. Pretty good odds, if you ask us. If you play MGO regularly in a team you'd be stupid to pass this opportunity up. So go for it and, if you win, let us know. We'll see you in Tokyo!]]> Update: American gamers can now get in on the action. For details, click here.Fancy a trip to Tokyo with five of your friends? Konami has announced that a European Metal Gear Online Tournament will begin very shortly which will allow you to win exactly that. Check out the official website and sign up today and you'll take part in one of the preliminary tournaments over the next few weeks. These will be straight Team Deathmatch games, with the best two teams being flown to Tokyo for the world final (indicating that Japanese and American tournaments should be announced soon) during the Tokyo Game Show. Tokyo Game Show takes place from the 9th to the 13th of October, so it's probably best that you make sure you're free for those dates before taking part. Over 250 teams will be competing, which sounds a lot, but really you've got a 1-in-125 chance of going through. Pretty good odds, if you ask us. If you play MGO regularly in a team you'd be stupid to pass this opportunity up. So go for it and, if you win, let us know. We'll see you in Tokyo!]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2208 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:13:59 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2208 Okay, so it's not from Leipzig, but considering the other two trailers that were released tonight, we thought it wise to highlight this trailer for the PS3-exclusive Afrika. Unlike the Japanese commercial for the game, this trailer looks rather exciting -- the opposite of sleep-inducing if you ask us. The National Geographic branding certainly adds a bit more weight to the authenticity of this unique nature observation game. Hopefully, we'll see a localized release announced in the coming weeks.]]> Okay, so it's not from Leipzig, but considering the other two trailers that were released tonight, we thought it wise to highlight this trailer for the PS3-exclusive Afrika. Unlike the Japanese commercial for the game, this trailer looks rather exciting -- the opposite of sleep-inducing if you ask us. The National Geographic branding certainly adds a bit more weight to the authenticity of this unique nature observation game. Hopefully, we'll see a localized release announced in the coming weeks.]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2209 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:13:59 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2209 The Killzone 2 trailer from Leipzig is all about multiplayer -- and that's a good thing, because we're absolutely psyched to go online with the game. If you haven't read up on Killzone's various multiplayer modes, here's a chance to brush up on some of our previous coverage:

E3 2008: Single Player impressions
E3 2008: Multiplayer impressions
E3 2008: The multiplayer class system

Also, download the HD trailer from Gametrailers here.]]> The Killzone 2 trailer from Leipzig is all about multiplayer -- and that's a good thing, because we're absolutely psyched to go online with the game. If you haven't read up on Killzone's various multiplayer modes, here's a chance to brush up on some of our previous coverage:

E3 2008: Single Player impressions
E3 2008: Multiplayer impressions
E3 2008: The multiplayer class system

Also, download the HD trailer from Gametrailers here.]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2210 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:13:59 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2210 Another games convention, another trailer for Resident Evil 5. Not that we're complaining, of course. It looks absolutely breathtaking, and we're glad it's coming ever-so-closer to release. Let's hope that Capcom doesn't reveal too much before the game actually comes out -- some of the most terrifying things about the franchise are the surprises they keep hidden away from us.
Also check out: Our E3 hands-on impressions
Gallery: Resident Evil 5]]> Another games convention, another trailer for Resident Evil 5. Not that we're complaining, of course. It looks absolutely breathtaking, and we're glad it's coming ever-so-closer to release. Let's hope that Capcom doesn't reveal too much before the game actually comes out -- some of the most terrifying things about the franchise are the surprises they keep hidden away from us.
Also check out: Our E3 hands-on impressions
Gallery: Resident Evil 5]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2205 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:47:32 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2205 Back in February, Capcom held a contest for those of you who wanted to design your very own Bionic Commando: Rearmed challenge level. Now, Aaron Sedillo's design (shown above) has emerged victorious. Eurogamer, GamesRadar and IGN also have their own special challenge rooms. During the screen where you see only the logo and the words "Press START" are shown, that's when you must enter the code. You can access each room with the following codes, enjoy!

Aaron Sedilo's room: Right, Down, Left, Up, L1, R1, triangle, triangle, square, square, Start
Eurogamer room: Down, Up, Down, Up, Left, L1, square, L1, square, triangle, Start
GamesRadar room: R1, triangle, square, square, Up, Down, L1, L1, Up, Down, Start
IGN room: Up, Down, triangle, square, square, triangle, Down, Up, L1, L1, Start

]]> Back in February, Capcom held a contest for those of you who wanted to design your very own Bionic Commando: Rearmed challenge level. Now, Aaron Sedillo's design (shown above) has emerged victorious. Eurogamer, GamesRadar and IGN also have their own special challenge rooms. During the screen where you see only the logo and the words "Press START" are shown, that's when you must enter the code. You can access each room with the following codes, enjoy!

Aaron Sedilo's room: Right, Down, Left, Up, L1, R1, triangle, triangle, square, square, Start
Eurogamer room: Down, Up, Down, Up, Left, L1, square, L1, square, triangle, Start
GamesRadar room: R1, triangle, square, square, Up, Down, L1, L1, Up, Down, Start
IGN room: Up, Down, triangle, square, square, triangle, Down, Up, L1, L1, Start

]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2203 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:04:19 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2203 Apparently, those LittleBigPlanet pre-order bonuses were specifically only for the United States. Canadians will have to keep watch on a separate, slightly different pre-order campaign. Only two out of the four announced items will be up for grabs in Canada, namely Kratos Sackboy and Nariko Sackgirl in-game items. Like the US, Canadians can get Kratos from EB Games/Gamestop, while there is still no information on the Nariko code yet. As for all of you across the Atlantic, European pre-order items will be "announced shortly." While you wait for that, have a gander at the UK box art posted above. Isn't it beautiful?]]> Apparently, those LittleBigPlanet pre-order bonuses were specifically only for the United States. Canadians will have to keep watch on a separate, slightly different pre-order campaign. Only two out of the four announced items will be up for grabs in Canada, namely Kratos Sackboy and Nariko Sackgirl in-game items. Like the US, Canadians can get Kratos from EB Games/Gamestop, while there is still no information on the Nariko code yet. As for all of you across the Atlantic, European pre-order items will be "announced shortly." While you wait for that, have a gander at the UK box art posted above. Isn't it beautiful?]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2204 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:04:19 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2204 You'll be able to get your hands on a demo of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed this Thursday on PSN. However, we had a chance to get an early look at the upcoming release. As with most every Star Wars game, there's a lot of excitement and anticipation over this upcoming LucasArts project -- in spite of the franchise's notorious legacy of mediocrity. However, fans have rallied for The Force Unleashed, due to its unique interpretation of Force powers, and the dark character that stars in it. Darth Vader's apprentice is, essentially, the Kratos of the Star Wars universe. Dark, brooding, conflicted ... and yet oh-so-powerful. Certainly, the premise has a lot going for it.However, it becomes immediately apparent that The Force Unleashed isn't going to be the definitive Star Wars game that some are hoping it would be. The visuals are rather lackluster, with none of the environments, character models, or special effects looking beyond "par." Of course, it may be because of the demo: restricted to a rather clean, barren Imperial spaceship, there isn't much to see. Perhaps the game's later planetary levels will offer a bit more eye candy. Even the framerate didn't feel smooth -- and the camera seemed annoying, requiring manual adjustment throughout.Gallery: Star Wars: The Force UnleasedContinue reading Hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed]]> You'll be able to get your hands on a demo of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed this Thursday on PSN. However, we had a chance to get an early look at the upcoming release. As with most every Star Wars game, there's a lot of excitement and anticipation over this upcoming LucasArts project -- in spite of the franchise's notorious legacy of mediocrity. However, fans have rallied for The Force Unleashed, due to its unique interpretation of Force powers, and the dark character that stars in it. Darth Vader's apprentice is, essentially, the Kratos of the Star Wars universe. Dark, brooding, conflicted ... and yet oh-so-powerful. Certainly, the premise has a lot going for it.However, it becomes immediately apparent that The Force Unleashed isn't going to be the definitive Star Wars game that some are hoping it would be. The visuals are rather lackluster, with none of the environments, character models, or special effects looking beyond "par." Of course, it may be because of the demo: restricted to a rather clean, barren Imperial spaceship, there isn't much to see. Perhaps the game's later planetary levels will offer a bit more eye candy. Even the framerate didn't feel smooth -- and the camera seemed annoying, requiring manual adjustment throughout.Gallery: Star Wars: The Force UnleasedContinue reading Hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2202 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:04:18 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2202 Looks like Armored Core: for Answer will be arriving on our stateside fairly soon; Ubisoft has announced that the game will be released on September 16th. GameSpot scored an interview with associate producer Kenan Alpay, who tells us a couple of facts about the game. Here are some highlights:

Online co-op mode: "30 missions and eight-player online melees in 80 different arenas."
Story mode: You play as a mercenary who can eventually choose which missions to take from different factions within the game. There are over 40 missions and the decisions you make can lead to multiple endings.
Arms Forts, which are giant battle stations much larger than yourself, will be the featured enemies of the game.
Control scheme: new control scheme for beginners, as well as an option for other players to join in via co-op mode to assist them with difficult missions.
New customization options: 130 new mech parts, including "interesting" parts such as an "auxiliary boost jets that increase your mobility and are ideal for hit-and-run attacks."
Voice chat will be supported, as well as cross-regional (North America, Japan, Europe) play.
No trophy support for "the Western version."

Gallery: Armored Core: for Answer]]> Looks like Armored Core: for Answer will be arriving on our stateside fairly soon; Ubisoft has announced that the game will be released on September 16th. GameSpot scored an interview with associate producer Kenan Alpay, who tells us a couple of facts about the game. Here are some highlights:

Online co-op mode: "30 missions and eight-player online melees in 80 different arenas."
Story mode: You play as a mercenary who can eventually choose which missions to take from different factions within the game. There are over 40 missions and the decisions you make can lead to multiple endings.
Arms Forts, which are giant battle stations much larger than yourself, will be the featured enemies of the game.
Control scheme: new control scheme for beginners, as well as an option for other players to join in via co-op mode to assist them with difficult missions.
New customization options: 130 new mech parts, including "interesting" parts such as an "auxiliary boost jets that increase your mobility and are ideal for hit-and-run attacks."
Voice chat will be supported, as well as cross-regional (North America, Japan, Europe) play.
No trophy support for "the Western version."

Gallery: Armored Core: for Answer]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2199 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:56:33 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2199 The lid on Heavy Rain will be blown off this week at Leipzig Games Convention. To get you ready, check out this newly released interview from Gamereactor TV, taken after Sony's secret behind-closed-doors showing at E3 earlier this year. The interview doesn't reveal much: it shows the same screenshots that were leaked a few weeks ago, and all video footage is of the game's very early tech demonstration. It's interesting to see how confident Quantic Dream is about their upcoming project, saying games like Uncharted only managed to get "some" things right. Other than that, they promise that Heavy Rain has "no competitors."Working with Sony Computer Entertainment seems to be very beneficial for the team, especially because Sony has offered them a chance to create "the best game possible." He's definitely getting the hype engine revving ... and it won't be long until we can judge for ourselves whether or not the hype is warranted.
[Thanks, shak h.!]]]> The lid on Heavy Rain will be blown off this week at Leipzig Games Convention. To get you ready, check out this newly released interview from Gamereactor TV, taken after Sony's secret behind-closed-doors showing at E3 earlier this year. The interview doesn't reveal much: it shows the same screenshots that were leaked a few weeks ago, and all video footage is of the game's very early tech demonstration. It's interesting to see how confident Quantic Dream is about their upcoming project, saying games like Uncharted only managed to get "some" things right. Other than that, they promise that Heavy Rain has "no competitors."Working with Sony Computer Entertainment seems to be very beneficial for the team, especially because Sony has offered them a chance to create "the best game possible." He's definitely getting the hype engine revving ... and it won't be long until we can judge for ourselves whether or not the hype is warranted.
[Thanks, shak h.!]]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2200 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:56:33 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2200 While they're not supposed to "officially" go on sale until the end of this month, it appears that many retailers are stocking their store shelves with the new 80GB Core Packs. These systems, which retail for $399, offer an upgraded version of the previous 40GB system: a larger hard drive and a DualShock 3 controller. It does not, however, provide any backwards compatibility. Various tipsters have mailed us with reports of systems being on store shelves, and Ashhong from NeoGAF even posted a photo of one system.If the new 80GB Core Packs are available, that means the two current PS3 SKUs both feature 80GB hard drives. The more expensive ($499) 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle includes a copy of the popular stealth action game and offers backwards compatibility.Update: SCEA rep Al de Leon tells us that "Shipments of the new 80GB PS3 started this week, and retailers can sell them as they receive the inventory." If your local store has the new 80GB system, they're allowed to sell it immediately.]]> While they're not supposed to "officially" go on sale until the end of this month, it appears that many retailers are stocking their store shelves with the new 80GB Core Packs. These systems, which retail for $399, offer an upgraded version of the previous 40GB system: a larger hard drive and a DualShock 3 controller. It does not, however, provide any backwards compatibility. Various tipsters have mailed us with reports of systems being on store shelves, and Ashhong from NeoGAF even posted a photo of one system.If the new 80GB Core Packs are available, that means the two current PS3 SKUs both feature 80GB hard drives. The more expensive ($499) 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle includes a copy of the popular stealth action game and offers backwards compatibility.Update: SCEA rep Al de Leon tells us that "Shipments of the new 80GB PS3 started this week, and retailers can sell them as they receive the inventory." If your local store has the new 80GB system, they're allowed to sell it immediately.]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2201 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:56:33 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2201 Take Two has just announced that the upcoming PS3 port of BioShock will hit US store shelves on October 21st. An international release is planned for just three days later: October 24th. This means the game will appear on Sony's home console exactly 14 months after the original PC/Xbox 360 release.BioShock on PS3 will be enhanced with a new difficulty mode, Trophy support and exclusive DLC. Retailers, like amazon.com and GameStop, are both taking pre-orders now.Gallery: BioShock (PS3)]]> Take Two has just announced that the upcoming PS3 port of BioShock will hit US store shelves on October 21st. An international release is planned for just three days later: October 24th. This means the game will appear on Sony's home console exactly 14 months after the original PC/Xbox 360 release.BioShock on PS3 will be enhanced with a new difficulty mode, Trophy support and exclusive DLC. Retailers, like amazon.com and GameStop, are both taking pre-orders now.Gallery: BioShock (PS3)]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2198 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:56:32 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2198 We got our hands on an early copy of NBA 09: The Inside and decided to show you what the Trophies for this upcoming PlayStation exclusive are. Enjoy!Bronze Trophies

Franchise - Win the NBA FInals: Win the NBA title - any year, any skill setting
Quick Play - Defeat 5 NBA Teams - Hall of Fame: Defeat 5 NBA Teams - Hall of Fame skill setting, 5 min + qtrs & no spotting points
Mini Games - Rabbit: Win a game - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - Blacktop Golf: Score 70 or less points - Minimum All-Star skill setting
Mini Games - 1-on-1: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - 2-on-2: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - 3-on-3: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - Own The Court: Win by 8 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - 3-Point Shootout: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - PlayStation Skills Challenge: Win by 3 seconds - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
NBA Replay: The Season - Complete First Half of Mode: Complete 15 Spotlights - Meet the Challenge - Minimum All-Star skill setting
Player Progression - Advance 5 to 70+: Advance 5 Progression Players to an Overall Rating of 70+ for each player
Online 5 Game Winner - Win 5 online games
Continue reading Trophies: NBA 09 The Inside]]> We got our hands on an early copy of NBA 09: The Inside and decided to show you what the Trophies for this upcoming PlayStation exclusive are. Enjoy!Bronze Trophies

Franchise - Win the NBA FInals: Win the NBA title - any year, any skill setting
Quick Play - Defeat 5 NBA Teams - Hall of Fame: Defeat 5 NBA Teams - Hall of Fame skill setting, 5 min + qtrs & no spotting points
Mini Games - Rabbit: Win a game - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - Blacktop Golf: Score 70 or less points - Minimum All-Star skill setting
Mini Games - 1-on-1: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - 2-on-2: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - 3-on-3: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - Own The Court: Win by 8 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - 3-Point Shootout: Win by 5 points - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
Mini Games - PlayStation Skills Challenge: Win by 3 seconds - Minimum All-Star skill setting & opponent overall rating 85+
NBA Replay: The Season - Complete First Half of Mode: Complete 15 Spotlights - Meet the Challenge - Minimum All-Star skill setting
Player Progression - Advance 5 to 70+: Advance 5 Progression Players to an Overall Rating of 70+ for each player
Online 5 Game Winner - Win 5 online games
Continue reading Trophies: NBA 09 The Inside]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2195 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:51 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2195 The PS3's media server capabilities just got a nice injection with the recently released PlayOn beta. The easy-to-use client streams media from your PC to your PS3. The most exciting thing about the client must be its support for Hulu, the free video streaming site which broadcasts a number of high-profile network shows. For example, we installed the beta and we were able to watch NBC's 30 Rock almost instantly.There are a few problems, though. The files are poorly compressed: a single episode of 30 Rock is over a gigabyte, which demands a rather speedy connection between your computer and PS3. The quality isn't too great thanks to the web-friendly MPEG-2 codec being used. And, once the 60 day trial ends, the service will ask for $30. However, if PlayOn can get the planned Netflix streaming to work, they may just have a new customer.]]> The PS3's media server capabilities just got a nice injection with the recently released PlayOn beta. The easy-to-use client streams media from your PC to your PS3. The most exciting thing about the client must be its support for Hulu, the free video streaming site which broadcasts a number of high-profile network shows. For example, we installed the beta and we were able to watch NBC's 30 Rock almost instantly.There are a few problems, though. The files are poorly compressed: a single episode of 30 Rock is over a gigabyte, which demands a rather speedy connection between your computer and PS3. The quality isn't too great thanks to the web-friendly MPEG-2 codec being used. And, once the 60 day trial ends, the service will ask for $30. However, if PlayOn can get the planned Netflix streaming to work, they may just have a new customer.]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2196 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:51 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2196 Another Guitar Hero III track pack is ready to be released this week. the Dragonforce track pack will include three tracks from the English speed metal band, including "Heroes Of Our Time," the debut single from their upcoming album "Ultra Beatdown." The other two tracks are "Revolution Deathsquad" and "Operation Ground Pound," both from their third album "Inhuman Rampage." The track pack will be released worldwide on August 21st.Dragonforce fans will no doubt be ecstatic at the idea of not only playing three more of their songs on Guitar Hero III, but also shredding along to "Heroes Of Our Time" before the album is even released. For non-Dragonforce fans, this is probably only a worthwhile purchase if you're in need of a hardcore Guitar Hero III challenge. We just hope they're a bit easier than "Through The Fire And The Flames."[Via Press Release]]]> Another Guitar Hero III track pack is ready to be released this week. the Dragonforce track pack will include three tracks from the English speed metal band, including "Heroes Of Our Time," the debut single from their upcoming album "Ultra Beatdown." The other two tracks are "Revolution Deathsquad" and "Operation Ground Pound," both from their third album "Inhuman Rampage." The track pack will be released worldwide on August 21st.Dragonforce fans will no doubt be ecstatic at the idea of not only playing three more of their songs on Guitar Hero III, but also shredding along to "Heroes Of Our Time" before the album is even released. For non-Dragonforce fans, this is probably only a worthwhile purchase if you're in need of a hardcore Guitar Hero III challenge. We just hope they're a bit easier than "Through The Fire And The Flames."[Via Press Release]]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2197 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:51 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2197 We have to applaud the fine folks at Insomniac for trying something new on the PSN. Somehow, they've managed to bring out a brand new Ratchet game, just one year after the release of the first PS3 incarnation, Tools of Destruction. Quest for Booty is a direct continuation of the previous game, but can be played without any experience with the franchise at all. The developers have promised 3-4 hours of gameplay, at a budget price of $15. However, is Quest for Booty worth your hard earned cash? Depends on how much you like the Ratchet franchise.Although it may have a budget price, the presentation easily matches any full-priced console game. The visuals of Quest for Booty are actually superior to the ones found in last year's game. The water, for example, looks far more captivating in this installment. The lighting seems to be enhanced, and the lush color palette found for most of the game really looks quite stunning in HD. The voice actors all make their return, and Ratchet and friends are animated just as sharply as they always have been.Gallery: Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for BootyContinue reading PS3 Fanboy review: Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty]]> We have to applaud the fine folks at Insomniac for trying something new on the PSN. Somehow, they've managed to bring out a brand new Ratchet game, just one year after the release of the first PS3 incarnation, Tools of Destruction. Quest for Booty is a direct continuation of the previous game, but can be played without any experience with the franchise at all. The developers have promised 3-4 hours of gameplay, at a budget price of $15. However, is Quest for Booty worth your hard earned cash? Depends on how much you like the Ratchet franchise.Although it may have a budget price, the presentation easily matches any full-priced console game. The visuals of Quest for Booty are actually superior to the ones found in last year's game. The water, for example, looks far more captivating in this installment. The lighting seems to be enhanced, and the lush color palette found for most of the game really looks quite stunning in HD. The voice actors all make their return, and Ratchet and friends are animated just as sharply as they always have been.Gallery: Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for BootyContinue reading PS3 Fanboy review: Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2194 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:50 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2194 We had a chance to play a small demo of Disney Interactive's upcoming Pure. The off-road racing game will be available on both PS3 and Xbox 360 in September and our first hands-on with the game felt promising. This off-road arcade racing game is all about air, with an emphasis on giant hills and jumps and mid-air stunts. It's a rather amusing sight to see a pack of a dozen racers all jump magically into the air as they compete for pole position.For PS3 fans, this game will most likely remind them of MotorStorm. However, the similarities between the two are few and far apart. Yes, the game features the same dirty off-road environments that the PS3 franchise is known for. And yes, knowing when to use boost is crucial to the gameplay. But, the vehicles of Pure are much more responsive than the ones in MotorStorm. Turns are a lot easier to handle, which should help attract a more casual audience.Players will have to work to earn their boosts. Before each hill, players will push down on the analog stick and flick it forward to launch the riders into the air. While flying, players can input buttons: X for easy tricks, O for harder tricks and Triangle for the hardest tricks. The boost meter increases with each successful trick, and having more boost unlocks more complex tricks in the air. Pulling off and landing the tricks are surprisingly easy.Gallery: PureContinue reading PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Pure]]> We had a chance to play a small demo of Disney Interactive's upcoming Pure. The off-road racing game will be available on both PS3 and Xbox 360 in September and our first hands-on with the game felt promising. This off-road arcade racing game is all about air, with an emphasis on giant hills and jumps and mid-air stunts. It's a rather amusing sight to see a pack of a dozen racers all jump magically into the air as they compete for pole position.For PS3 fans, this game will most likely remind them of MotorStorm. However, the similarities between the two are few and far apart. Yes, the game features the same dirty off-road environments that the PS3 franchise is known for. And yes, knowing when to use boost is crucial to the gameplay. But, the vehicles of Pure are much more responsive than the ones in MotorStorm. Turns are a lot easier to handle, which should help attract a more casual audience.Players will have to work to earn their boosts. Before each hill, players will push down on the analog stick and flick it forward to launch the riders into the air. While flying, players can input buttons: X for easy tricks, O for harder tricks and Triangle for the hardest tricks. The boost meter increases with each successful trick, and having more boost unlocks more complex tricks in the air. Pulling off and landing the tricks are surprisingly easy.Gallery: PureContinue reading PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Pure]]> http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2193 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:26:50 -0500 http://likelions.com/showthread.php?tid=2193 var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Guitar_Hero_Rock_Band_Instrument_Compatibility_Matrix_v3_0'; With SCEA bringing word of cross-peripheral compatibility for PS3 rhythm games yesterday, consumers looking for that "one music set to rule them all" seems to be a reality drawing closer. However, making sense of the fickle plastic instruments jungle is still quite a daunting task and knowing where each individual peripheral fits into the mass is still a convoluted process. Making life easier on all of you, Joystiq have provided a simple to read chart which clearly illustrates compatible peripherals across all platforms -- behold the Instrument Compatibility Matrix, version 3.0. Color-coded and accompanied by lots of visuals, hunting for that perfect set to fit your needs couldn't be more convenient.]]> var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Guitar_Hero_Rock_Band_Instrument_Compatibility_Matrix_v3_0'; With SCEA bringing word of cross-peripheral compatibility for PS3 rhythm games yesterday, consumers looking for that "one music set to rule them all" seems to be a reality drawing closer. However, making sense of the fickle plastic instruments jungle is still quite a daunting task and knowing where each individual peripheral fits into the mass is still a convoluted process. Making life easier on all of you, Joystiq have provided a simple to read chart which clearly illustrates compatible peripherals across all platforms -- behold the Instrument Compatibility Matrix, version 3.0. Color-coded and accompanied by lots of visuals, hunting for that perfect set to fit your needs couldn't be more convenient.]]>