Digital Spy's Matthew Reynolds rounds up the latest gaming gossip.

Gaming Recap: 'New Vegas', 'Worms Reloaded'

Sunday, September 5 2010, 06:00 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

The biggest news, reviews and features from the world of gaming this past week:

Reviews

Features

News

Videos

Downloadable Releases

You can keep up to date with the latest gaming news through our Twitter account
@DS_LevelUp.

Indie Pick: 'Treasure Treasure'

Friday, September 3 2010, 13:49 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

There really aren't enough co-operative platformers, so the release of Treasure Treasure: Fortress Forage on Xbox Live Indie Games is a welcome one.

Following on from the excellent Johnny Platform series, the title deploys the same breed of simple but fiendish puzzle ideas involving pushing blocks, pixel-perfect jumps and deploying bombs. Trixie and Troy have different abilities that must be used in conjunction to solve puzzles, where one can leap higher while the other has added strength to throw and push objects.

The game is one large level and does a superb job at making the duo split up and use their abilities separately to aid each other's progress and exploration. Since it's a real head-scratcher, two heads are better than one for solving puzzles, but you can always play solo and tap a button to switch control between each character at any time.

As the screenshots show, the presentation has a lovely, low-grain Game Boy feel and playful retro soundtrack, and uses a dynamic split-screen mode as seen in the LEGO games for when players move apart. The controls are a little fiddly when it comes to moving objects, but outside of that it’s a tight and highly polished game.

Although you can open all 21 chests in around an hour, it should be noted that there are no save points, something which the game neglects to pass on and can easily catch you off guard. Provided you can blast through it in a single sitting, this is a superb co-operative experience for 80 Microsoft Points (65p).

Have you tried Treasure Treasure? Add a comment to the space below!

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This week on VC… 'Samurai Shodown III'!

Friday, September 3 2010, 10:49 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

This week's Nintendo downloads include fishes, samurai and a handheld breeding simulation.

Virtual Console

Samurai Shodown III: This Neo Geo title is a fighting game featuring melee weapons. This sequel has an entirely new cast of characters and a darker tone and feel, but is let down by bugs, poor collision detection and balancing issues. Download it for 1000 Nintendo Points (£7).

WiiWare

Fishie Fishie: A game that can be played with just one button, you control a fish that has to constantly eat across a variety of game modes, including story, soccer, capture the star, survival and skill. Up to four players can play at one time. Download it for 500 Nintendo Points (£3.50).

DSiWare

GO Series 10 Second Run: Featuring simplistic visuals, this fast-paced platformer has you traverse an obstacle course and reach the exit within ten seconds. The full game offers over 50 stages and three game modes. Download it for 200 Nintendo Points (£1.40).

Also available is Where's Wally? Travel Pack 2 for 500 Nintendo Points (£3.50), Jazzy Billiards for 500 Nintendo Points (£3.50) and My Farm for 200 Nintendo Points (£1.40).

What did you pick up this week? Add a comment in the space below!

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First 'Batman: Arkham City' screens

Thursday, September 2 2010, 11:51 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

The first screens for Batman: Arkham City have been released, showing Catwoman, Two-Face, Harley Quinn and the slums that you'll be exploring in the game come late 2011. You can read more details about the title here.

What do you think of the screenshots? Add a comment to the space below!

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Live blog: Apple iPod Conference 2010

Wednesday, September 1 2010, 17:46 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

17.45: Welcome to our live blog of Apple's annual iPod conference. As well as a new lineup of iPod devices and improvements to the iTunes software, there are rumours that there will be a strong emphasis on gaming. Planned announcements for the AppleTV platform are suggested to be postponed, but we'll find out when the conference begins in 15 minutes' time.

18:03: CEO Steve Jobs says he has some "really cool" stuff to show everyone today. He begins by discussing some of the new retail stores across the world, highlighting those in Paris, Shanghai and London.

18:04: The Shanghai store is especially impressive, a cylindrical shaped glass building, and the second in China. The one in London is the one that was recently built in Covent Garden.

18:05: It was the 300th store that opened worldwide across ten different countries. Spain is the next new country. Several days each month have over one million people attend an Apple store.

18:06: iOS is described as a revolution for mobile devices. Counting the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, over 120 million iOS devices have shipped worldwide. 230,000 new activations - not updates - are performed each day. "I think we're ahead of everybody," says Jobs.

18:07: There are 200 downloaded every second. 6.5 billion have been downloaded total. 25,000 Apps are on iPad.

18:08: iOS 4.1 is introduced. Bugs such as proximity, Bluetooth and iPhone 3G issues will be fixed. Additions include High Dynamic Range photos, HD video upload over WiFi, TV show rentals and Game Centre.

18:09: HDR photos will take three photos with every snapshot - one under-exposed, one over-exposed, the other regular - that are combined to make a greater image. "For some photos, it's pretty great. And it's built into iOS 4.1," says Jobs.

18:10: Game Centre will offer multi-player games, offering friend challenges and auto-matching, as well as auto-matching and score comparisons. It will be an App and will be integrated into others.

18:12: Epic Games president Mike Capps takes to the stage to show off an Unreal Engine 3-powered game.

18:13: Codenamed Project Sword, it's an action role-playing game with worldwide leaderboards and Achievements. Invites arrive as a push notification. The demonstrator explores a gorgeous medieval city before entering a battle. It's a Punch-Out!-style game where moves are performed with thumbs swiped. An Achievement is unlocked, looking not unlike the Xbox Live variant on 360.

18:15: It's available "this holiday" for iPhone and iPad.

18:16: Game Centre will be available for iPod Touch and iPhone from next week as a free download via iTunes.

18:17: iOS 4.2 will be available soon for iPad, with a key feature offering the above features as well as wireless printing and AirPlay. AirPlay is similar to AirTunes, allowing audio, video and photo streaming over WiFi.

18:18: Jobs walks over to this iPad, opens Pandora and proceeds to open his mail using multi-tasking. It's very similar to the iOS4 features seen on iPhone, showing folder creation and music playback.

18:20: iOS 4.1 will be released next week, while 4.2 will be coming in November.

18:21: Now onto iPods. Over 275 million have been sold, and the new lineup will be entirely new designs. "It's the biggest change in the line ever," says Jobs.

18:22: First up is iPod Shuffle. It's smaller than the second generation, and has buttons as well as voiceover capabilities. A clip makes it "instantly wearable", playlists, Genius mixes and VoiceOver. It'll have 15 hours of battery life.

18:23: It'll be 2GB in size and will retail for $49.

18:24: The iPod Shuffle will remove the click wheel, and is replaced by a square multi-touch screen. "It's very tiny, it's amazing and super easy to use." It really is small, and has a Shuffle-style clip as well. It's 46% smaller and 42% lighter, and comes with volume buttons, VoiceOver, FM radio, Nike Plus support and 24-hour battery life.

18:27: The screen shows four options on the screen at each time, with photo, music and clock support. He jokes that a board member will clip it onto their arm and use it as a watch.

18:29: Jobs demos the device, showing music playback, and moves around the menu options like you would Apps on the iOS. "It's very easy to navigate around." The screen can be flipped by pinching and rotating it, which impresses the audience.

18:31: The Nano comes in six colours. 8GB will be $149 and $179 for 16GB.

18:33: Now onto the iPod Touch. It's now the most popular portable gaming system, outselling PSP and DS with 50% of the marketshare of portable systems.

18:35: The new design is thinner, and has the Retina Display as seen in the iPhone 4. The Apple A4 chip, 3-axis Gyro "for even better gaming", a front-facing camera with FaceTime over WiFi. It will also have a rear camera for HD recording and editing on the device, and will offer 40 hours of music playback. Essentially, it's the iPhone 4 without the contract.

18:36: Jobs is keen to push the new iPod Touch as a gaming device. 8GB will be $229, 32GB is $299 and 64GB is $399.

18:37: All these new iPods can be pre-ordered today and purchased from next week.

18:38: Adverts for all three devices play. "The strongest lineup of new iPods we've ever had," says Jobs.

18:39: iTunes 10 is revealed. Jobs says that since digital downloads will soon surpass CD sales in the US, Apple is ditching the current programme icon for a blue circle featuring a black note.

18:40: Album art won't take up as much room as it has done in current versions. A big part of the iTunes store is "discovery" and a problem is that there are so many songs out there it's hard to find new content.

18:42: Ping is introduced, described as Facebook and Twitter for iTunes, allowing members to follow artists and activity from friends. It has a similar feed showing updates, as well as a custom top ten charts showing the top content your followers are downloading.

18:43: Ping is for "social music discovery" - it's there for following and to be followed, and has the same privacy options as Facebook. As well as music you can share comments, custom song and album charts, follow 170,000 concert listings, and it will be available to 160 million iTunes users in 23 countries straight away.

18:45: The demonstration shows that albums posted to Ping can be expanded and previewed by song. The feed can also show and play videos direct from iTunes. "It's a social network all about music. Makes sense?"

18:46: Ping will also appear in the iTunes versions of iPhone and iPod Touch.

18:49: iTunes 10 will be available later today worldwide.

18:52: Jobs says there is one more thing. "Actually, it's one more hobby." He goes into the history of Apple TV, saying that it "wasn't a big hit" since launching four years ago. Jobs says Apple has learned several things - Hollywood movies and TV shows, everything in HD, paying lower prices for content - that it doesn't want another computer to sync to or manage storage.

18:55: The new black box will be a fourth of the size, and has power, HDMI and Ethernet connectors, as well as built-in WiFi.

18:55: There are no more purchases, only streamed rentals, so no worrying about syncing or storage. Content will be in HD when available. "And it's silent, cool and tidy."

18:56: iTunes has the largest selection of movies in the world. First-run content - the day stuff comes out on DVD - is $4.99, and cheaper for older content. To rent HDTV shows, they will be 99 cents. All content will be commercial free.

18:57: ABC and Fox will be offered on day one. Other channels are coming soon.

18:58: Netflix, YouTube, flickr and MobileMe will be supported, as will streaming from a computer.

18:59: The user interface has content type running horizontally and specific content vertically from each, not unlike the XMB on PS3. Each film has user reviews and Rotten Tomatoes integration, as well as free films.

19:03: You can flag favourites for TV shows, arranged in panels on the screen. A number will appear showing the number of episodes that have yet to be watched.

19:04: Jobs says it's the easiest to use and most simple integration of Netflix yet. Photos can be streamed from a computer and displayed in a slideshow.

19:06: AirPlay - coming in iOS 4.2 in November - can stream content from an iPad to Apple TV. Jobs shows Up playing on the mobile device, before selecting an option to make it run on the television. "It's going to be pretty cool."

19:08: Apple TV will be $99 and will be available in four weeks' time (in the US). You can pre-order from today.

19:10: Jobs recaps what's been shown today - the iPod range, iTunes 10, Ping and Apple TV.

19:12: It's explained that Apple started this for the love of music, and that it wanted a special performance on today. It's Coldplay, and Chris Martin is introduced on stage.

19:13: It's just Martin playing. "I asked the rest of the guys here, but... they're too lazy." He starts playing 'Yellow'.

19:18: After playing, Martin explains that 'Viva La Vida' wasn't billed as a hit by record companies until Apple got behind it for its adverts. "It proves that your marketing guys can sell anything."

19:26: Closing with a new song 'Wedding Bells', the conference draws to a close. Thanks for reading!

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This week on PSN… 'Alien Breed: Impact'!

Wednesday, September 1 2010, 15:19 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

This week's PSN offering includes futuristic shooters and a handheld strategy sequel.

Games

Alien Breed: Impact: This revival of the classic Amiga series is also a remake of the Xbox Live version released last year, adding new environments and upgrades to the top down shooter. It features co-operative play and Trophies, and can be downloaded for £11.99. You can read our review of the PC version here.

Also available is Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse: Episode 5 for season subscribers.

Demos

You can now download a demo of Vanquish and R.U.S.E..

Downloadable Content

BioShock 2: Minerva's Den: This single-player content pack adds a new storyline set in Rapture Central Computing, featuring new security bot and Big Daddy enemy types, as well as additional side characters. Download it for £6.29.

Also available are 30 day character slots for MAG at 79p each, the Lil' Tinker pack for ModNation Racers for £1.39, several free and premium vehicle packs for Split/Second: Velocity, new courses for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 and multiplayer, weapon and The Doggie Bag packs for Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days ranging between £1.59 and £4.79 each.

Track Packs

Rock Band: Singles are 99p each.

Dierks Bentley: 'What Was I Thinkin’'
Eric Church: 'Hell on the Heart'
Jamey Johnson: 'Women'
Josh Turner: 'Would You Go With Me'
Keith Urban: 'Days Go By'
Lady Antebellum: 'Lookin’ For a Good Time'
Laura Bell Bundy:'Rebound'
Reba McEntire: 'Fancy'
Sugarland: 'It Happens'
Bang Camaro: 'Bang Camero'
Let's Get it: 'Do Not Disturb (Tell Me How Bad)'
Five Finger Death Punch: 'Hard To See'
Sunny Day Real Estate: 'Seven'
Every Avenue: 'Where Were You'

Guitar Hero 5: Track packs are £4.39 while singles are £1.59 each.

P.O.D.: 'Southtown', Youth Of A Nation', 'Boom'

PSP Downloads

You can download Valkyria Chronicles II for £27.99, Valhalla Knight 2: Battle Stance for £15.99 and Despicable Me: The Game for £23.99. On PSone, there is Tomb Raider for £7.99 and Front Mission 3 for £4.79.

Also available are minis Actual Crimes: Jack The Ripper and DynoGems/Tehra: Dark Warrior Bundle for £3.49 each, and Paper Wars: Cannon Fodder and Catterpillar for £3.99 each.

What did you pick up this week? Add a comment in the space below!

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Gamescom preview: 'The 3rd Birthday'

Wednesday, September 1 2010, 10:40 BST

By Mark Langshaw, Gaming/Comics Reporter

When the renowned Final Fantasy director Yoshinori Kitase announces a new gaming undertaking, the entire industry takes note. His latest endeavour, PSP project The 3rd Birthday, may not be as high-profile as his work on Square Enix's flagship series, but it's sure to make a splash in the handheld sector. We caught up with Kitase at gamescom to find out more.

As you may already know, The 3rd Birthday has been billed as a spinoff of the Parasite Eve franchise. Its forbears might have set the standards in their heyday, but this one is shaping up to be a departure from the series' PSone roots. While some of the core mechanics from previous entries will feature to some degree, the most obvious common thread is the reappearance of protagonist Aya Brea. The gun-toting heroine's PSP debut finds her working for an organisation called Counter Twisted Investigation, defending the borough of Manhattan from monstrous invaders.

The biological horrors known as Eves are nowhere to be found in the game (hence the rebranding), and the changes don't stop there. From the gameplay footage we were shown, we can tell you that the survival horror elements from the core series are all but dead, making way for no-holds-barred gunplay. It's every inch a third-person shooter, though Kitase obviously couldn't resist throwing in some RPG components. There appears to be a levelling up mechanic as well as opportunities to learn new abilities as you progress. Speaking of abilities, one in particular caught our eye.

As any one familiar with the Parasite Eve games will tell you, Aya possesses rather special DNA, granting her access to superhuman abilities. One such power is Overdrive, which serves as one of the game's fundamental mechanics. This skill enables Aya to switch bodies with another character by essentially hacking into them and drawing out their spirit. It's a tool with multiple uses, from poaching health to utilising superior firepower. It can even be used tactically to outwit foes. In the clip we saw, Aya switched bodies with a team member positioned behind an enemy to exploit its weak spot. While the basic run-and-gun gameplay doesn't appear to do much to distinguish itself from its competitors, the Overdrive mechanic might just be enough to give it an identity of its own.

Overall, The 3rd Birthday looks like one of the more interesting PSP titles slated for next year. It's your basic third-person action affair on the surface, with lots of gunplay and some light RPG components, though the Overdrive ability is guaranteed to bring some depth and variety to the table. Any one expecting Parasite Eve 3 might be a little disappointed, yet those seeking a new take on an established concept may be pleasantly surprised.

The 3rd Birthday arrives in Japan this winter. It will be released in Europe and North America in 2011.

> Click here to read more of our gamescom 2010 coverage

Are you looking forward to The 3rd Birthday? Write a comment in the space below!

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This week on Xbox Live… 'DR2: Case Zero'!

Wednesday, September 1 2010, 09:42 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

This week offers a unique teaser for Capcom's zombie sequel, while Crackdown 2 and BioShock 2 receive hefty DLC updates. It should also noted that Microsoft recently announced increases to the Xbox Live Gold subscription - you can read more about it here.

Games

Dead Rising 2: Case Zero: This is a prequel to the events of Dead Rising 2 using the same engine and mechanics. Set in a desert town unique to the game, level progress can be passed on to the full game released on September 24. Case Zero also comes with Achievements. Download it for 400 Microsoft Points (£3.40).

Downloadable Content

Crackdown 2: Toy Box: Free for all users, this adds the Keys To The City functionality, a new multiplayer mode and Thrusters for Level 6 Agents. Paying 560 Microsoft Points (£4.80) will also give you new toys, Agent colours, two Avatar Awards and ten Achievements. The pack is available from September 2.

Also available is Minerva's Den for BioShock 2 for 800 Microsoft Points (£6.80). You can read more about it here.

Demos

Gold subscribers can now download a demo of Platinum Games shooter Vanquish.

Track Packs

Rock Band: Singles are 160 Microsoft Points (99p) while the track pack is 440 Microsoft Points (£3.75).

Dierks Bentley: 'What Was I Thinkin’'
Eric Church: 'Hell on the Heart'
Jamey Johnson: 'Women'
Josh Turner: 'Would You Go With Me'
Keith Urban: 'Days Go By'
Lady Antebellum: 'Lookin’ For a Good Time'
Laura Bell Bundy:'Rebound'
Reba McEntire: 'Fancy'
Sugarland: 'It Happens'

Guitar Hero 5: Individual tracks are 160 Microsoft Points (99p) while a track pack comes at 440 Microsoft Points (£3.75).

P.O.D.: 'Southtown', Youth Of A Nation', 'Boom'

Deal of the Week

This week you can download discounts for games based around aliens. Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition is now 800 Microsoft Points (£6.80), while Aliens Vs Predator's Swarm Map Pack, Alien Breed: Episode 1 and Galaga Legions are 400 Microsoft Points (£3.40) each. All deals end Monday.

What did you pick up this week? Add a comment in the space below!

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Gaming Recap: 'Mafia II', 'Angry Birds'

Sunday, August 29 2010, 06:00 BST

By Matthew Reynolds, Gaming Editor

The biggest news, reviews and features from the world of gaming this past week:

Reviews

Features

News

Videos

Downloadable Releases

You can keep up to date with the latest gaming news through our Twitter account at @DS_LevelUp.