via Eurogamer


Ubisoft has said to expect a patch for Assassin's Creed on PlayStation 3 "as soon as possible".

The patch will deal with "freeze issues" affecting "some consumers" trying to play Ubisoft Montreal's latest - and the UK's current chart-topper.

"This update will help improve the stability of the game and will be released as soon as possible," the bits of the forum post made by the publisher's UK community manager that we haven't quoted in paragraphs one and two added.

"In the meantime thank you for your ongoing feedback and patience."

Which is of course followed by lots of people saying things like "I'm don't believe it till I see it" and so on.

One good question was whether or not the update will be downloadable away from the PlayStation Network, since that facility is available on PS3 for firmware updates, but at the time of writing Ubisoft hasn't responded to that particular query.

We'll let you know when the patch goes live. For more on the enjoyable, albeit rather repetitive Assassin's Creed, turn your eyes to our Assassin's Creed review ...

New from PLay Asia



features
As the only video game brand co-developed with the U.S. Army, the level of authenticity is unparalleled and the real-world scenarios and missions enhance this experience.
You will have a chance to pull on your boots and strap up your gear in the most realistic single-player training experience.
Build your Soldier in single-player mode and then use those skills and attributes to dominate the competition on Xbox Live™.
Multiplayer is a big focus for this installment of America’s Army and the game features eight maps developed by Red Storm under the guidance of U.S. Army Soldiers.
Earn points through honorable actions and earn respect from other players you play via Xbox Live. As you gain respect, you move up through the ranks and become a true leader.
Players will have access to actual high-tech equipment from the Army, including Blue Force Tracker, which provides important information to the player.
Parental controls allow parents to determine the settings at the level they feel appropriate, tailoring the gameplay action for fresh recruits or for seasoned veterans.

description
America’s Army now has the look and game play of a next-gen title with the backbone of the GRAW2 engine and the raw power of the Xbox 360.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-23d1.html ...

via Eurogamer


Live qualifying events for the FIFA Interactive World Cup have taken place in Denmark, the Netherlands and Hungary this month as part of EA and FIFA's search to find out who is best at FIFA 08 on PS3 (I'd like to take this opportunity to rule myself out).

15-year-old Christian Lønhart from Bagsværd in Copenhagen and 17-year-old Hungarian Roland Császár won the first two events, while Dutchman Andries Smit is apparently up for his second Grand Final in a row after a "tense qualifying match" at the weekend in the Netherlands.

Apparently more than 10,000 people from 25 countries have been trying for top spot on the PlayStation Network leaderboard since the game's release in October, with qualifiers set to continue across Korea, Portugal and eventually over 20 locations worldwide in the next five months.

On 24th May 2008, 32 finalists will then head off to Berlin to compete for FIFA Interactive World Player 2008, with the winner even getting an invite to the FIFA World Player Gala 2008. We'd say that it'll be worth practising the special watch-nicking handshake and pickpocket skills in advance, but the cash prize of USD 20,000 will probably be enough to save the wallets and bling of the world's finest sportsmen (besides, better pickings seem to be had around Liverpool on European Cup nights, judging by the red-tops).

You can find out more about getting involved at the official website, but do remember that this year's tournament is PS3-only due, presumably, to a money hat that even Sepp Blatter could fit his head into. ...

New from Play Asia:



features
All New Controls - Pull off hotshot moves with controls optimized for the Wii and DS.
All New Single-Player Campaign - Choose which solar system you'll save first. Then pick back up where you left off, if you can ever put it down!
All New Multiplayer – Join together for co-op play or settle rivalries on the Nintendo Wii online leader boards.
Wii and DS Linked Content – Link the DS and Wii versions to unlock bonus content and be on exclusive leaderboard rankings.

description
Blast your way through all-new battle grids, upgrade your new Battle Drone and blast through relentless waves of enemies in the first-ever Geometry Wars single-player campaign. Then join a friend for fast-paced multiplayer that's out of this world.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies also includes the full version of Bizarre Creations' Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, winner of IGN's Best Xbox Live® Arcade Title of The Year.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-23et.html ...

via Games Industry


Dubai International Capital has bought an undisclosed number of shares in Sony Corporation, thought to be worth as much as USD 500 million.

The company, which manages a USD 13 billion fund on behalf of the emirate's ruler, had previously stated it was looking to invest USD 500 million in a Japanese company on November 19.

And now, according to a report on Bloomberg, the company has acquired a "substantial" stake in Sony, said its CEO Sameer al-Ansari in a statement.

"The combination of Sony's truly global brand, its leadership position in product design and its global footprint will spur the business' medium term growth."

The move pushed up Sony's share price by 4.6 per cent to JPY 5500 (USD 50.6), beating the Nikkei average which rose 1.7 per cent largely down to a strong US retail performance in the post-Thanksgiving period last week. ...

New from Play Asia:



features
Wii exclusive Designed specifically for the Wii, use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to master your character’s suite of attacks in order to unify the pieces of Soul Edge
Choose your allies wisely Switch between the various characters encountered throughout your adventures to give you more versatility in every situation
Classic Soulcalibur roster Play and level up as your favorite Soulcalibur characters as you follow their path within history and level up through ranking system
New enemies and bosses Sword fighting capabilities are pushed to the limit as you encounter a lineup of new enemies and large scale bosses
Weapon progression Weapons evolve with your experience, giving you added control and more powerful attacks
Spirit Break Unleash your character’s special Spirit Break attacks to crush your enemies with amazing effects
Quest mode Play in 12 different environments as the beautiful landscapes serve as your battlefield in 40 quests
Multiplayer modes Test your skills with or against a friend in various game modes

description
Soulcalibur, the unparalleled weapon based fighting game franchise, reinvents itself as Soulcalibur Legends, a 3rd person action adventure, exclusively for the Wii™ Console.

Soulcalibur Legends follows the 16th century exploits of Siegfried and other Soulcalibur characters, new and old. Siegfried finds himself on a quest for ultimate power in order to save an empire from destruction, bringing him into conflict with other warriors seeking to unify the pieces of the Soul Edge sword. This fateful quest leads to his inevitable possession by the cursed blade.

The Wii Remote and Nunchuk are your weapons of choice as you perform your moves and combos using orchestrated slashes and movements. Master special attacks acquired throughout the adventure while battling through diverse environments, crushing scores of enemies and large bosses. With the help of other Soulcalibur characters, view the Soulcalibur universe in an entirely new light.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-23ew.html ...

New from Play Asia



features
Use of the touch screen: control armies, unleash special attacks and activate Gambits
Experience the next installment in the Ivalice Alliance, a series of titles set in the same game world as Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of The Lions
CG movies make use of the Nintendo DS hardware displaying cutscenes across both screens
The Ring of Pacts allows users to pick and choose from over 50 summons such as cactuars and chocobos

description
Vaan and Penelo from the original Final Fantasy XII are back in a whole new adventure! Vaan has now officially made it to being a full-fledged air pirate, and together they travel around Ivalice searching for adventure. When they discover the floating continant of Lemures, home to a magical Sacred Crystal, destiny calls! Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is an all-new experience that makes full use of the Nintendo DS's unique features. Featuring full Touch Screen functionality, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings allows players to control massive armies, unleash special moves and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. The world of Ivalice comes alive through the respected musical stylings of Hitoshi Sakimoto and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, the director of Final Fantasy X-2 and the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII. Familiar monsters from across the spectrum of Final Fantasy games, including perennial favorites like Chocobos and Tonberries.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-23hf.html ...

Tri-Crescendo, developers of Eternal Sonata for the Xbox 360 and PS3, are currently working on a new RPG for the Nintendo Wii. Entitled Fragile, the RPG follows the story of Set, a young boy who must explore various cities in a post-apocalyptic world.

Details at this time are scarce because, well, we can't read Japanese. Those with a bit more skill in the language department might want to check out the game's official website, which also features screenshots and a teaser trailer for the game.

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/na...a-new-wii-rpg/ ...

We all know stealing is not only easy and fun, but it's also very cool. But did you know that sometimes, stealing can go too far? Take, for instance, this tale of an unassuming store clerk who opened up a returned 360 to find that the console had been gutted, the controllers were missing, and the HDMI cables had been replaced with printer cords.

Sure, we know what you're thinking, because we're thinking it too: That's very funny and not at all immoral. But where we have to draw the line is what was stuffed into the 360 to make it seem weighty enough: An old medical textbook. Gosh, otherwise-pretty-successful thief, don't you have any consideration? Stealing is fine, but shoving a giant hunk of flammable material into a console known for capturing the sun's heat and using it to play DVDs and eventually, inevitably die? That's just dangerous.

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/ma...-360-for-cash/ ...