Before Naughty Dog was receiving accolades for its development on the Uncharted franchise, the studio created the 3D platforming Jak series on the PS2 with significant success.  Now as the PS3 meets its platforming needs this holiday season with the latest Ratchet and Clank game, the other two members of the Playstation family (PSP, PS2) get their due with a new (and some may say overdue) installment of the Jak (and Daxter) series with the High Impact Games developed Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier.  High Impact Games have taken the reins of this franchise bringing over their recent experience in creating 3D platformers (Secret Agent Clank, Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters) to develop yet another brand new title in a familiar environment.  We take a look at specifically the PSP version in a month where it goes head to head with the new kid on the block (Little Big Planet PSP) and see if the title provides quality and unique 3D platforming in a usual busy holiday season.

The Pros

For the most part, the gameplay in the Lost Frontier is split up in two parts.  For those expecting typical platforming gameplay involving linear paths and multiple jumping sequences won’t be disappointed as the game stays true to what fans may come to expect from a new installment of the series or even the genre as a whole.  Reminiscent however of Sony’s other platforming franchise: Ratchet and Clank, Jak will discover new weapons that range in purpose (i.e. slowing down enemies, creating barriers, building bridges, etc.) throughout the game that play an intrinsic part, and sometimes utilizing more than one, in completing puzzle sequences or defeating bosses.  To add to this, Jak also has a primary weapon entitled the Gunstaff that one would use for regular encounters.  The Gunstaff has the ability to be modded with extra features and power as you progress through the game that, along with the new weapons you eventually find,  keep it interesting as you chug through these levels.

The second main gameplay type in the Lost Frontier are the flight levels where you control an aircraft and take to the skies in a number of missions ranging from chasing down sky pirates, slowing down a large battle ship while avoiding enemy fire, or just plain old dogfighting.  These flight levels carry the same amount of depth you would find in the platforming section of the game with up to five ships to obtain, various flight maneuvers you can perform, and upgradeable weapons and armor.  When engaged with an enemy, the flight levels sometimes allow you to implement the option to grapple hook an enemy plane and send Daxter over to sabotage and steal parts which is performed by completing a quick-time event mini game.

The combination of both gameplay types in equal parts keeps the game fresh, while individually there are enough elements in each that make it interesting enough to continue playing.

The Cons

The third gameplay type that’s included in the Lost Frontier is the individual Dark Daxter stages that allow you to play a transformed Daxter on his own with beast like abilities.  Though it’s fun the first time around, the sequences itself get old quick and really don’t carry the same depth as the two main gameplay types.  The inclusion of it in the game also seems out of place when it comes to the story and overall flow.

In addition, personally I have never played a Jak and/or Daxter game before; so there was instant confusion when the opening cinema started the game seemingly from a point already established in a previous installment.  Consequently, there was no recap or clear explanation for  newcomers to learn how the characters reached “The Edge of the World”, background on the characters themselves (especially with constant referrals to what Jak is and his past abilities you now no longer are able to use), along with terms like eco and dark transformation.

Finally the main problem with this game is one PSP fans have come to endure over the years with any sort of 3D environment a game has.  The lack of the second analog nub leads to control issues concerning the camera and aiming.  This is most prevalent during enemy encounters on the ground with Jak.  Unlike the flight sequences, there is no aim-assist or lock on feature to fix the camera on an enemy.  Even though you can always reset the camera with the L and R buttons, that takes time and you are usually left running around shooting blindly while the auto camera tries to catch up in a frantic situation.

Here’s the Deal

The Lost Frontier provides PSP/PS2 owners with a quality 3D platforming game that shares its time with equally enjoyable flight sequences throughout the game.  Both types of gameplay have enough upgrades and command abilities to entertain the player and keep them interested to play on for the most part.  Besides some pointless Dark Daxter gameplay, and making the story unapproachable to newcomers of the franchise, the main problem is with a finicky fixed camera and lack of aim assist given that only one analog nub is available to you in the PSP version.  It’s not game breaking, but it forces the player to peel away a layer of frustration to enjoy what is otherwise a very good game for your PSP.  7/10  Sean C.

To compliment the intense racing (and subsequent crashing) action already provided by the critically acclaimed Need for Speed: Shift, EA has recently announced the first DLC for the Xbox 360 and PS3 version.  The pack entitled Team Racing will include a new mode involving…Team Racing while also including 5 new cars to add to the roster.  Sean C.

Official details below:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – November 20, 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced an all-new Team Racing pack for the critically-acclaimed Need for Speed SHIFT™. The content pack takes online racing to the next level with an action-packed new race mode and five renowned racing cars – all for free (Need for Speed SHIFT and Xbox LIVE® or PlayStation®Network account required). The Team Racing pack is the first downloadable content for Need for Speed SHIFT and will be available worldwide on December 1^st on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system. The pack will be released for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on December 3^rd in Europe and on December 10^th in North America.

The Team Racing mode brings a fresh new challenge to SHIFT by completely redefining online racing. In this mode, two teams of up to six racers will battle against each other for online supremacy. Individual driving strategy and playing it safe won’t work as team tactics and 200 mph split-second decisions are required to push your team to the podium.

As part of the new content, players will also get access to these legendary racers:

·         1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427

·         1967 Shelby GT-500

·         1969 Dodge Charger R/T

·         1971 Dodge Challenger R/T

·         1998 Toyota Supra Mark IV

The Team Racing content pack is custom-made for Need for Speed SHIFT, a spectacular racing game originally released in September 2009. The game introduces a brutal first-person crash dynamic and a signature cockpit view that delivers a true driver’s experience. The game further personalizes the experience through the all-new driver profile — a unique persona based on the driving skill and style of each player. With a perfect ‘10’ score from GameSpy.com and G4TV.com, and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Team Xbox.com, Game Daily.com, Gametrailers.com and more, Need for Speed SHIFT is the highest rated Need for Speed game in years.

Get yer ad-hoc multiplayer PSP games ready because as promised the adhocParty application for the PS3 has been released in this week’s update.  If you have a wired internet connection on your PS3 (doesn’t include me), you can now play popular ad-hoc multiplayer game like Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite through that connection.  Peggle and the Peggle Nights add-on finally hit the PS3, while PSone classics Resident Evil 2 and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver also release this week.  New PAIN DLC introduces us to the Flava Flav character for you to punish after making me listen to “ye-ye-ye-ye-ye-ye-yeah booooy!” over and over again in DJ Hero (only because I forget to change the samples).  For the PSP, we see the digital release of the exclusive Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines along with 3 new mini games in D-CUBE Planet , Echoes and Circles (no idea what they’re about).  We also see demos for Pixeljunk Monsters Deluxe and Little Big Planet for the PSP.  Sean C.

Updates
Get Uno for new low price of $7.99

Applications
adhocParty
Play Ad Hoc PSP games online via your PS3!

Downloadable Games
Peggle ($9.99 to purchase)
Have you got the Peggle fever? Now on the PlayStation Network, experience the ultimate pinballesque adventure! Indulge your love for bouncing balls and firework effects by becoming a Peggle Master through 55 levels and 75 challenges. Play to your favorite music while collecting 12 PlayStation Network trophies along the way. Want to host your own Peggle party? Jump into a local battle or connect online to tackle multiplayer, duel and party modes!

PSOne Classics
Resident Evil 2 ($5.99)
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver ($5.99)

Game Demos (free)
Smash Cars Demo
Real-time physics, innovative stunts and next-generation graphics combine into a dynamic, tricked-out single and multiplayer RC car racing experience where players twist and turn, grind and gear up, performing aerial tricks and stunts while racking up trophies and points as they race to the finish in an unlikely location.

Add-on Game Content
Peggle Nights ($4.99)
Party ‘til the break of dawn with the quirky Game Masters of Peggle Nights! Become the ultimate master with 60 dreamscape levels and 60 Grand Master Challenges set in a land of flashing lights, dynamic pegs and glowing backgrounds! When you need a break, stop to admire your bright and shiny Peggle Nights trophies in your very own Peggle Masters Trophy Room. With so many action-packed Peggle Nights levels you won’t want to leave the neon peg party!

PAIN: Flavor Flav ($1.99)
“Yeah boy!” Get ready to launch Flavor Flav into a world of PAIN! Whether you know this eccentric celebrity because of his days as a rap or television star, you’ll immediately recognize his hilarious voice recordings and costumes.

High Velocity Bowling: Psychedelic 60’s Ball Pack ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Psychedelic 60’s” theme bowling balls.

High Velocity Bowling: Techno Modern Ball Pack ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Techno Modern” theme bowling balls.

Way of the Samurai 3 Accessories (free)
Fun & crazy, exclusive accessories for your character!

Guitar Hero 5
“Lick It Up” by KISS ($1.99)
“Modern Day Delilah” by KISS ($1.99)
“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS ($1.99)
KISS Track Pack ($5.49)
Rock Band
“Beautiful Thieves”— AFI ($1.99)
“End Transmission”— AFI ($1.99)
“Love Like Winter”— AFI ($1.99)
“Medicate”— AFI ($1.99)
“The Leaving Song, Pt 2″— AFI ($1.99)
AFI Pack 01 ($8.49)
“Walk Like An Egyptian”— The Bangles ($1.99)
The Beatles Rock Band
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“Within You Without You” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“When I’m Sixty-Four” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“She’s Leaving Home” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“Lovely Rita” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“Fixing A Hole” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!” — The Beatles ($1.99)
“A Day In The Life” — The Beatles ($1.99)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album) ($13.49) – This album includes “Fixing a Hole,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!,” “Within You Without You,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lovely Rita,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” and “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles.

Game Videos (free)
Pulse 11/19 Edition
Pain: Flavor Flav Trailer
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 15 sec Accolade TV Spot
FIFA Soccer 10: Director’s Cut Trailer
Madden NFL Arcade Trailer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Flag Runner Trailer
NBA 2K10 TV Commercial
Assassin’s Creed II Arsenal Trailer
Assassin’s Creed II TGS Trailer
Assassin’s Creed II Dev Diary 3
Assassin’s Creed II GP Trailer
Critter Crunch “Feeding Time” Trailer
Army Of Two: 40th Day Extraction Trailer
Peggle Trailer

Themes
Peggle Theme (free)
Celtic Maidens 2 Premium Plus Theme ($1.99)

Wallpaper (free)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Wallpaper (x5)
topatoi Wallpaper
Peggle Wallpaper

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines ($39.99)

PSP Minis
D-CUBE Planet ($3.99)
Echoes ($2.99)
Circles ($3.99)

Game Demos (free)
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Demo
LittleBigPlanet PSP Demo
Promethus Demo

Add-on Game Content
DJ Max Fever Wallpaper (x4)
Armored Core 3 Wallpaper (x2)

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
“California Über Alles”— Dead Kennedys ($1.99)
“You’re No Rock ‘n’ Roll Fun”— Sleater-Kinney ($1.99)
File sizes: 14 MB – 17 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 storefront)
Armored Core 3 Portable Theme (free)
Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 3 ($1.49)
Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 4 ($1.49)

This week I am still blight bashing on Bioware’s Dragon Age: Origins. My main character is an Arcane Warrior, which means I can use magic as well as armor and weapons so I am mowing through the enemies now .  I also got the downloadable content which allowed me to add the rock golem “Shale “ to my party. He’s pretty funny actually. He’s wisecracking, human hating…very reminiscent of HK-47 from Bioware’s KOTOR. 
Demo pick of the week:  I’ve been playing Bayonetta which I got (shameless plug: THANKS TO THIS WEBSITE!!) through the limited SEGA pre-release. I’ll be doing a review on it shortly.

I had such a blast playing Left 4 Dead 2 with the Xbox Canada and Valve peeps the other day, that I think I’ll keep the zombie carnage going through the weekend. I’ve popped in Little Big Planet PSP to have by my side while I watch every NHL/NBA and NFL game on the schedule. I’m curious on how it plays on the portable.  James S.
Demo pick of the Week:  I’m checking out a game called Tropico 3 where I play a scumbag that has taken control of a Caribbean island. “First you get the power…” 
PSN/Gamertag: elSCIENTIFICO

It’s my birfday next Friday, so a couple people want to hang out to celebrate the grand occasion starting this weekend.  So if any gaming is going on it’s going to be the social type; just in time to crack in my new copy of Buzz! Quiz World.  Other than that I’m going to finish up the God of War Collection for my review. Sean C.
Demo Pick of the week:  I’m going to try out the Little Big Planet demo up this week for the PSP and see how it translates to the portable (I hear pretty well). 
PSN/Steam: shonathan

I’m not one to spend much time on FPS games, since the majority of my gaming is spent driving or, and lately, dj-ing, but I have to admit Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 got me intrigued.  We received our review copy last week, so I was able to test it out for a bit before handing it over to our FPS reviewer.  I have to say, that game stuck in my head all week.  So much so, I ended up buying myself a copy last night, so if you’re playing COD online this weekend, watch out for me… I’ll be the one running around like an idiot getting shot every 10 seconds.  Zoltan N.
Gamertag:  zzzoltan

Heya, this weekend I’m gonna check out Lego Rock Band (Xbox360). Looks cute and fun (which are my favourite qualities in a game lol)! Also I just got Little Big Planet for PSP…now I can play it everywhere yay!  GameGirl Tess

The Xbox 360 is changing more and more from a mere gaming console into a multimedia social networking system.  Another step towards realizing this was made this week with the addition of Facebook, Twitter and Zune on Xbox LIVE.  I got the tour of these new applications and what they can do so here are some of my thoughts.

'facebook LIVE'

FACEBOOK

The interface combines the new 360 look with Facebook flawlessly.  Though sending messages and chatting is the equivalent to torture without the messenger kit the best part of the ‘Facebook LIVE’ app is viewing the pictures.  The Facebook pictures of you and your friend’s will look huge and beautiful on a quality TV and being able to set up slideshow viewing creates some nice portrait possibilities for your TV viewing. Another great advantage of this new app is to discover new friends for your LIVE gaming though this new merge of Xbox and face book. You can never have enough targets…uh I mean “friends” right?  ;)

Tweet your brains out!

TWITTER

I am by no means a twitterhead. But it’s nice to know that for those that are, you can now proclaim your achievements to the world with this new system. Again, this is an app best utilized by having the messenger kit.

Zune = 1080 on 360

ZUNE

Zune, by far, the best of the three in my mind, allows you to stream full-length movies in HD! You can watch your favorite shows through your Xbox as well.  The streaming of movies looks GREAT!! I watched “40 year old Virgin” and it’s actually hard to believe that such a clear and quality image can be streamed over the Internet and on to your television. But I watched it so I am officially a believer! But don’t take my word for it.. Zune allows you to preview each movie before you rent it. Your rental is held for 14 days after purchase but once you start watching it you have it for 24 hours.  Watching TV shows is just as easy but you can download them to your hard drive and keep them forever.  All of these new mergers seem to be just the beginning for social networking on Xbox live and it will be interesting to see where it all goes.

The gang at Ubisoft have lots homegrown gaming goodness in store for the upcoming Holidays. So we were invited to the Academy of Spherical Arts in downtown Toronto to check out all the gaming gifts Ubisoft has in store for the holiday season.

For those who passed on the console version released earlier this month, or just bummed with the laggy online multiplayer, you just might find something different with the PSP version of the game.  Namco Bandai has so far built a strong reputation with their PSP fighting game ports with Tekken: Dark Ressurection and more recently Soul Calibur:Broken Destiny.  Providing exclusive content, improvement tweaks, and unbelievable graphics for the PSP, each port solidified itself as a legitmate and unique version of the original game.  With Tekken 6, all 40 characters will be present from the console version, 4 new stages will be included, and we also see the return of the ability to transfer ghost data.  With the recent announcement of adhocParty coming to North America, players will also be able to battle locally or online (via PS3) both via ad-hoc multiplayer.  Tekken 6 for the PSP is slated for release Nov/24/2009; now the question for me is whether I can justify buy two versions of the same game.  Tekken 6? Yes.   Sean C.

Official release below:}

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Nov. 18, 2009) — Fighting during the holidays has never been this fun as NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that TEKKEN®6 has gone gold for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and will be available nationwide on Nov. 24, 2009. Just in time to help shake off the Thanksgiving tryptophan blues, TEKKEN 6 retains all the intensity of its console brethren while providing an extensive single player experience with challenging gameplay modes and robust features. The latest iteration in the TEKKEN series is ready to go. Are you?

With an illustrious 14 year legacy, TEKKEN 6 brings the blockbuster fighting franchise onto multiple platforms for the first time with uncompromising quality, a robust gameplay experience, and the largest roster ever seen in the series. Players can test their might in a variety of game modes such as Arcade, Story, Time Attack, Survival, and Gold Rush to collect in-game money, customization items and view character specific storylines. In addition to containing all 18 battle stages and 40 playable characters found in the home console version, TEKKEN 6 for the PSP system will also support ad-hoc multiplayer battles across an additional four stages. Furthermore, players will have the ability to transfer ghost data allowing fights against opponents’ characters even when not connected with them.

It hasn’t happened yet, but today firmware 3.10 is scheduled hit the PS3 with various new features including Facebook support.  3.10 will allow you to connect to your Facebook profile and share your trophies and Playtation Store purchases with your friends.  The firmware update also changes how you preview photos (now in grid format), and tweaks your friends list after user feedback.

I wonder how many Facebook friends I’ll have left  (not necessarily real friends) after I bombard them with my Playstation updates….ah well.  Sean C.

Official release below:

FOSTER CITY, Calif., November 18, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (“SCEA”) today announced an integration with Facebook to deliver the first phase of a variety of new features to further connect and enhance the online social experiences of PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system owners. Starting on November 18, as part of the system software update, version 3.10, users can easily showcase their game accomplishments to friends and family, and post information about the PS3 games they purchase from PlayStation®Network to Facebook. With the new Facebook integration, PS3 system owners now have access to a truly social and seamless user experience.

With Firmware 3.10, PS3 system owners can now not only brag to friends about their domination as a gamer, but also back it up by sharing unlocked trophies with their friends on Facebook every time they sync their Trophies. Additionally, the system update enables PS3 system owners to share information on games they just purchased with a click of a button.   The new system update also enables game developers to set up trigger points in their games that provide PS3 system users the option to quickly and easily publish game related information from their favorite titles to Facebook.

“Launching Facebook for the PlayStation community is a natural fit for our goal of delivering unparalleled connected experiences  - from connecting our community to each other to connecting our customers to great entertainment downloaded from the PlayStation Store,” said Susan Panico, senior director, PlayStation Network, SCEA. “As we pass the third anniversary of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Network, we’re excited to deepen the social experiences of PlayStation Network and kick-off the first phase of our integration with Facebook.”

“With more than 300 million active users, Facebook can make any experience more social. We’re excited to see one of the most popular activities on Facebook, social gaming, extend to the PS3 system as another way for our users to share and connect with friends,” said Ethan Beard, director, Facebook Developer Network.

Key Facebook Features:
Showcase Trophies: Instantly share trophies you earn in PS3 games in your Facebook stream. Simply sync your PS3 system and easily show off your accomplishments to friends and family.

PlayStation Store Purchase Log Publishing: Let friends and family on Facebook instantly know which PlayStation 3 games you’ve purchased. The PlayStation Store, available to PS3 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system owners through PlayStation Network, features over 200 downloadable games, many of which are exclusive to PS3 or PSP system owners, in addition to over 4,000 pieces of add-on game content.

Game Event: With a few quick clicks of the controller sharing select game events, progress and statistics is now easier than ever with the Facebook integration.

Additional New Firmware 3.10 Features (not related to Facebook):
Photos: Photos will now be displayed in a grid format for simplified access and viewing.
Friends List: The PlayStation Network Friends List has an enhanced design that enables users to customize the background color of their PlayStation Network Profile.

God of War III won’t be out until March 2010.  Yeah. So?  Now the anticipation will be soothed slightly as the God of War Collection is out as of today.  Players new to franchise (what are you 15?) can now experience the game that, in my opinion, popularized so many game elements you see prevalent in today’s action games.  Veterans of the series can now have the satisfaction of playing two of the PS2’s best games ever on one Blu-Ray disc remastered in 720p.  As a bonus, this new version will contain trophy support and  players will also get access to the GOW III E3 demo upon purchase, all at the budget price of $39.99.  An interesting approach to maintaining interest in subsequent PS3 continuations of PS2 legacy franchises.  One would hope that other PS2 series getting an upcoming PS3 installment get the same treatment (I’m looking at you ICO/Shadows of the Colossus!).  Stay tuned for a full review of the God of War Collection.  Sean C.

Official release below:

FOSTER CITY, Calif., November 17, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the North American release of the God of War® Collection, bringing the award-winning God of War® and God of War® II to the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system for the first time.  Just in time for the holiday season, the God of War Collection offers a substantial value to PS3 users, including both top-selling games at an attractive price of $39.99 CDN (MSRP).

The God of War Collection features high-definition versions of both God of War and God of War II on a single Blu-ray Disc™ at full 720p resolution.  Both critically acclaimed games, which were originally developed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, have been digitally re-mastered with full-screen anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second, delivering the ultimate smooth gameplay experience on the PS3 system.

“We are thrilled to bring Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America.  “Thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, this Blu-ray compilation will allow fans and newcomers to experience the epic      God of War and God of War II saga in stunning HD for the first time.”

Additionally, PlayStation®Network Trophy support has been added to the franchise for the first time – for both games – and will challenge even the best of players.  Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, the God of War series brings epic mythological battles to life with stunning graphics and an Olympic plot that puts Kratos, the trilogy’s main character, at the center of carnage and destruction as he seeks revenge against the Gods who have betrayed him.
God of War Collection has an ESRB rating of “M” for Mature. For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org.  For more information about the God of War franchise, visit www.GodofWar.com.

God of War Storyline
Set in the dark world of ancient Greek mythology, players take on the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior. Plagued by the nightmares of his past, the ash covered warrior would do anything to be free of his debt to the Gods and the memories that haunt him. For ten years he has labored for Olympus, now on the verge of losing all hope, the Gods have given him one last task. Destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with the deadly chained Blades of Chaos, Kratos will have to overcome armies of mythological monsters, legions of undead soldiers, and amazingly dangerous and brutal landscapes.

God of War II Storyline
God of War saw Kratos, a mortal warrior, set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there.  In God of War II, Kratos sits atop his Olympus throne, as the new God of War – far more ruthless than Ares ever was.  To end his continued torment, Kratos must journey to the far reaches of the earth and defeat untold horrors and alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed… his fate. God of War sets an epic stage for a devastating mythological war to end all wars.

Acclaim for the God of War Franchise
God of War releases have set the bar for the action-adventure genre and been acknowledged by some of the videogame industry’s key publications, which include PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Editor’s Choice Award), Game Informer (Action/Adventure Game of the Year and Handheld Game of the Month Award), GamePro (Editor’s Choice Award), Electronic Gaming Monthly (Best PS2 Game), IGN.com (Editor’s Choice Award and Game of the Year Award), and four nominations in the Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, including Overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year.  The franchise has also been awarded with several honors including several E3 Best of Game

Awards (given by several online publications), numerous Game of the Year and Best Action Game Awards (given at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, Golden Joystick Awards, PSX Extreme Awards and the 3^rd Annual G-Phoria Awards, and by PAX, GameZone, GameDaily, GameSpot), to name just a few.

Left 4 Dead 2 isn’t the only game released today that allows you to massacre hordes of zombies as Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is now available for the Wii.  A follow up to The Umbrella Chronicles also on the Wii,  the game once again brings the on-rails shooter genre to the Resident Evil franchise retracing the events of Resident Evil 2 and Code:Veronica.  In addition to 2 player co-op, the Darkside Chronicles also features a new camera style reflective of the first person accounts in movies like the Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield…so lock, load and have the gravol ready.  Sean C.

Official release below:

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Nov. 17, 2009 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Resident Evil®: The Darkside Chronicles is now shipping to all North American retailers for Wii™. The latest installment in the Resident Evil® franchise, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is a follow up to the successful Resident Evil®: The Umbrella Chronicles that took the series’ infamous characters and storylines and turned the gameplay on its side with new on-rails arcade shooter gameplay. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles takes this gameplay to a whole new level in terror as the camera now mimics the first person view creating a more dramatic and immersive horror experience.

The addition of a full 2-player co-op experience only adds to the game’s level of depth, as players can now shoot zombies with their friends throughout the game. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and has a suggested retail price of $49.99 at all major retailers across North America.
For a taste of the action, players can also check out Capcom’s Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles official interactive trailer at http://www.gametrailers.com/video/experience-the-darkside/57808. For the first time in a video game trailer, the audience will be able to engage in the action they see on screen by being able to shoot the zombies with a click of their mouse. Before players purchase the game, they can try it out at Gametrailers.com.

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles sends a full cast of characters into a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred and the potential to go to the dark side lies within everyone. Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Jack Krauser, Steve Burnside, and Chris Redfield all play their part in an engrossing storyline that will fill in the missing pieces from Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. This new chapter in the Resident Evil series retraces the terrifying ordeals of Resident Evil® 2 and Resident Evil® Code: Veronica, but this time from an all-new perspective. A vibrant new South America part of the story pairs Jack Krauser with Leon S. Kennedy as they hunt down Javier Hidalgo, a drug lord connected to the Umbrella Corporation.

The game’s on-rail, arcade shooter gameplay first featured in Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, has been radically upgraded in Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles. To create a more terrifying and cinematic experience, the camera mimics the first person point of view and at times, zombies surround players so they must rely on each other to advance. Combined with an eerie soundtrack and a new graphics engine utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles delivers the most fun and accessible horror game on Wii yet.