Mark Cerny, the man who designed the hardware and functionality of the PS4, says the PlayStation 4 will have the strongest launch line-up yet. And it’s all thanks to the ease of developing on the machine. The news was revealed in an interview Gamasutra had with Cerny yesterday. “The launch lineup for PlayStation 4 – though I unfortunately can’t give the title count – is going to be stronger than any prior PlayStation hardware,” he said. “And that’s a result of that [tech] familiarity.”
Sony has released an Apple-style video showing the DualShock 4 in greater details, with input from various Sony employees describing the motivation behind the changes and new features. The video shows how developers shaped the new controller to be what it is, and how the new features will be used to help gamers. The video also shows the controller in various different angles, and is available to view in 1080p if you are really into details.
Sony has released a new PS3 Firmware update, updating the system software to version v4.41. The update is mandatory if you wish to play games over the PlayStation Network or to access the PlayStation Store. However, the update is only a minor stability fix and will require you to download the 194 MB update file in order to patch your console.
Konami has announced a new collection for Metal Gear Solid, called the Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection. The collection will include Metal Gear Solid, MGS2 HD, MGS3 HD, Peace Walker HD, VR Missions, MGS4, and two digital graphic novels by Ashley Wood. However, the collection has only been confirmed for North and South America, with no mention of a European version. The collection will be available exclusively on the PS3.
This week, PS Plus members can download one of the most full-featured portable fighters in history: Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny. This PSP title is compatible with the PS Vita and will be available to download from the PlayStation Store in North America after tomorrow’s weekly update. The Spring Fever sale also continues this week with PlayStation Plus subscribers getting discount on new indie title Thomas Was Alone.
SCEA have revealed the official box art for PS3 exclusive title BEYOND: Two Souls, which is scheduled for release this October. The box art is “sophisticated, mature and different from most traditional game packaging, and it really captures the emotion Ellen Page conveyed in her performance as Jodie,” says Derek Osgood, Associate Product Marketing Manager for SCEA.
Rockstar have released more official artwork for their upcoming open-world title, Grand Theft Auto V. The two new images, titled Cash and Carry, illustrate Michael and Franklin getting things done by sea or land. The images are available in various sizes from Rockstar Downloads.
Europeans can look forward to another big month on PlayStation Plus, with five new games coming to the Instant Game Collection. Three PS3 games will be released to the collection on May 1st, including Hitman: Absolution, while two PS Vita games will be released from May 8th 2013. April’s games will be phased out over May so be sure to grab anything you’ve missed before the dates listed below.
Gaming magazine Game Informer has revealed that Batman: Arkham Origins will be heading to the PS3 in October 2013. The game takes place years before the two previous Arkham titles “when a young, unrefined Batman encounters many supervillains for the first time”. A handheld spinoff, dubbed Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, will be coming to the PS Vita too, and will play like a “2.5D Metroid-style adventure”.
New PlayStation Plus content will be added to the PlayStation Store in North America later today as part of the weekly update. PSN title Malicious will be added to the Instant Game Collection later today, allowing subscribers to download the title for free. In addition, subscribers will also be able to get discounts on various titles as part of the Spring Fever Sale, which included 20% off newly released cross-buy title Dragon Fantasy Book I.
