via Computer and Video Games


We're currently trashing our way through Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It's good stuff, but you'll have to wait a little longer for our final verdict. What we can tell you though is that it looks frickin' stunning. Come see...

This is what PS3 games are supposed to look like - detail oozes from every crevice in the game's environments, from the leaves, trees and bushes in the impressively-lit jungles levels, to the high-res textures in the dungeon interiors.

Bushes and long grass move as you wade through them (unlike most games with their ghost vegetation that you can walk through as if it weren't there). And the sunshine gleams realistically through the leaves, casting impressive shadows on the ground and the moving characters.

The voice acting is quality, too. The combination of a well-acted script and stunning visuals makes the cut scenes a pleasure to watch. It really does feel like you're watching a film at times. And these cut scenes are rendered in real-time, too.

So, we've got five movies for you. We were only going to do a couple but the game looks so damn good we couldn't stop hitting the record button. They're from levels early into the game though - so as not to spoil things for you.

The first video is the opening scene on Drake's boat, where you can check out the shooting and hand-to-hand combat mechanics as we fight off money-hungry pirates (the modern kind).

The second video is the proceeding cut scene, which looks amazing, then in the third video we explore a jungle path and have a jump around. Watch out for the fluid animation as Drake walks over the rocks and clambers up platforms.

Next up is a tomb interior where you'll see how the game makes great use of the environments for some rewarding puzzle-solving action. And finally we thought we'd show you a very Indiana Jones-like action scene that got our hearts pumping when we first saw it. Skip that last one if you don't want the surprise ruined.

The game's due out in December, but we'll be uploading more videos and impressions in coming weeks, so keep an eye on us. If you haven't already, check our previous hands-on write up.


Videos here ...

via Computer and Video Games


Ninja Gaiden 2 will let you slice off serious chunks of flesh - we knew that from seeing these ultra-gory screenshots of the game in action, and now more specific details are starting to trickle in.

According to reports, the face-chopping sequel will have you murdering rival ninjas in real-world environments, including settings in Tokyo, Venice and Times Square in New York, although we wouldn't count on there being passer-by grannies to punch.

The fighting system has been enhanced with improved enemy AI and new moves. Enemies can perform co-operative attacks, while Ryu will get a new Obliteration technique - a series of fatal blows delivered if you hit Y immediately after removing an enemy limb.

A main rival ninja is also said to feature, who series producer Itagaki apparently described as "bad ass".

On a not-so-positive note, there's no multiplayer mode planned, according to a preview reported to feature in the December issue of American magazine, EGM. Look out for new screens soon. ...

via MCV


The latest issue of Future’s Edge magazine has the scoop on the confirmation that the upcoming Wii iteration of popular franchise Animal Crossing is to be a fully-blown massively multiplayer online experience, CVG reports.

The mag reads: "A Japanese source has confirmed to Edge that the upcoming Wii iteration of Animal Crossing is set to be a social networking MMO."

Animal Crossing has always been a socially-driven game. The GameCube iteration relied on the use of codes for players to exchange information and gifts, whilst the DS sequel went one stage further by allowing wi-fi users a more direct form of contact.

Though no official confirmation has yet been made, the MMO game structure is a logical progression for the series and one that could see it achieve even greater heights than its predecessors. ...

via IGN


Following last night's glitzy and glamorous BAFTA Video Games Awards, trembling fists across the globe grip shiny new gongs, courtesy of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' second annual celebration of creative excellence in the games industry.

No mantle piece is more threatened with permanent displacement than Nintendo's though, with the company skipping away from the event with a staggering six awards - all for Wii Sports. In fact, the popular family pasttime secured wins under the following categories: Casual, Gameplay, Innovation, Mulitplayer, Sports, plus Strategy and Simulation. Speaking to IGN, Nintendo said of the accolades, "We are very honoured and proud to have been recognised in this way by the Academy".

However, it wasn't empty hands for everyone else. In fact, homegrown UK developer Realtime Worlds got its mitts on two awards for Crackdown - best Action and Adventure title and best Use of Sound. Elsewhere, Okami scored a much deserved slap on the back in the Artistic Achievement and Best Score categories, while God of War 2 attempted to maintain its angry exterior in the face of jubilation as it took home awards for best Story and Character, plus best Technical Achievement.

Finally, Best Game of the night went to 2K's superb Bioshock and the only public-voted category, The PC World Gamers' Award, shook its bucket of recognition in the general direction of Sports Interactive's Football Manager 2007.

For the full rundown of nominees and eventual winners (listed in bold), check here. ...

via Games Industry


Toshiba has rubbished reports that it is currently working with Microsoft on an Xbox 360 with a built-in HD DVD drive.

Rumours surfaced last week, but an unnamed Toshiba exec has now stated that Toshiba is not involved in any such hardware developments.


Microsoft currently sells the HD DVD player as a separate peripheral for the Xbox 360, and offers various deals for users who want to upgrade their console to a hi-definition movie player. ...

via Eurogamer


Polyphony Digital has signed a deal with BBC Worldwide to let you watch Top Gear on your PS3.

You will be able to enjoy up to 40 episodes of the motoring show using the new Gran Turismo TV channel, which will launch on the PlayStation Network sometime next year and feature all the goings-on from the world of cars.

The BBC has also given the go-ahead for the famous test-track from the show to be replicated in Gran Turismo 5, so you can pop on some slightly bizarre music and thrash all sorts of expensive creations around the track just like the enigmatic Stig.

"We're sure that players will be as thrilled as we are when they get the chance to put their own driving skills to the test on the Top Gear Test Track in GT5, as well as enjoying classic episodes of Top Gear via GT TV," said Kazunori Yamauchi, end boss at developer Polyphony Digital.

Unfortunately Gran Turismo 5 still looks to be a long way off in Europe, with only a tentative date of July 2008 mentioned for Japan so far.

But those of you eagerly awaiting it will be pleased to know that a demo for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is now on the Japanese PlayStation Store, and all you have to do to get hold of it is create a mock account for the region and begin downloading. But be quick, it will disappear forever on 11th November. ...

via Computer and Video Games


It's been confirmed that the latest PlayStation 3 firmware update (to version 1.94) adds support for the forthcoming rumble-enabled DualShock 3 - though it's not available for download yet.

The update is being bundled with Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (the first PS3 game to support rumble), which is due to arrive in the shops on November 9.

Those of us who already have copies of the game (a bit of willy waving there for you) will know that by pressing the PS button, the DualShock 3's vibration can be toggled on and off from the in-game controller setting menu. Riveting stuff.

Sony's planning to ship out the new pad in Japan this November, with a US and European release bizarrely planned for next year.

Don't wait around for your rumble; import a controller, we say. ...

via Compter and Video Games


Good old Sony (via Three Speech) has taken a moment to nail down exactly when it's remaining 2007 releases will be hitting shelves.

October's almost over and Sony will be seeing out the month with it's PlayStation Eye card game, The Eye of Judgement, hitting shelves on 26 Oct.

You've got a double serving coming on November 9, with both Lair (finally) and Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction making their way to stores.

Naughty Dog will unleash its handy work in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune on December 7, with SingStar PS3 to follow sometime that month, although Sony is still pondering the exact date.

Time to raid the piggy bank. ...

via Eurogamer


Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction may have landed in some US stores this week, putting it a little bit ahead of schedule, but it also arrives with a bug that can potentially stop you playing it. Whoops.

What happens is that during the pre-game set-up procedure, when it copies files to the hard disk, it, er, sometimes refuses to copy files to the hard disk, claiming that there is insufficient space to do so, even though there is.


Stuck for ideas on how to do that? You could always download a demo. Or delete a few videos. Trailers, I expect - and not your "special" videos, eh? There is also the possibility of deleting the Ratchet & Clank demo, unless you never worked out how to make a US PSN account, in which case you don't have it, because it isn't on the European Store because we're not worth it.

Look out for our Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction review in the coming days! Or you could try out the demo except wait we've done that one. The full game is due out here on 9th November. ...