Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sony Online Entertainment Announce There Are Over 12 Million Registered Free Realms Users


Sony Online Entertainment have announced that Free Realms, the free to play MMO, now has over 12 million registered users. This feat was achieved just days after The Virtual Summer Camps opened in Free Realms.

Press Release

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – June 23, 2010 –Sony Online Entertainment’s family-friendly virtual world, Free RealmsTM (www.FreeRealms.com), announced its 12 millionth registered user just after the kick-off of its in-game virtual Summer Camp.

“Our players wanted a summer of fun in Free Realms, so that’s what we’ve provided. With new items, jobs and quests being added to the virtual world, there are more ways than ever to explore Free Realms,” said John Smedley, president of SOE. “Our continued innovation and consistent player engagement have built an incredible forward momentum to take Free Realms into its second year, and beyond.”

Summer Camp, which officially started June 7, is anything but limited to camp activities and is going strong with weekly summer themes, in addition to new items and features that are regularly being added to the game world. Players can grab everything they need for a great day in Seaside with the beach chair, beach umbrella, above ground pool, lifeguard tower and volleyball net, all of which are now available in the Free Realms Marketplace.

In celebration of World Cup Soccer, today the reverse-color Soccer Ball pet is available. The Snowhill Playground is also officially open for adventurers to explore. Players that make it to the top of the fall-away block staircase will find a treasure chest worth 100 coins! Moving platforms, which are housing blocks that move in different directions, Tiger Rides and surfboards will be available soon.

Join the in-game action for the Barefoot Bash, today, June 24, at 3p.m. PDT and tomorrow, June 25, at 9a.m. PDT. Players can head straight to the party through their in-game calendar.

To celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, SOE is running a Double Station Cash Weekend where players can purchase Station CashTM cards, excluding Starter Cards, from local retailers, which can be redeemed from Friday, July 2 at 12p.m. PDT to Monday, July 5 at 12a.m. PDT for double their value in Station Cash, which can be used to buy virtual goodies or upgrade to a Membership status in the game. Also, for those who have wanted to see what the buzz is all about, SOE is offering a free trial membership all weekend long. All players will have access to the membership content during the trial period and at the end of the weekend, players will have the option to keep their member status through a variety of multi-month membership payment options.

Free Realms offers an array of quests, activities and minigames to keep players entertained. From ninja fighting to kart racing to raising pets, Free Realms offers a safe, family-friendly environment to connect with old and new friends. Free Realms is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up with content descriptors of Crude Humor and Fantasy Violence.

To play Free Realms, visit: www.FreeRealms.com.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games which have entertained millions of players around the globe. SOE creates and delivers compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise EverQuest®, its successful online trading card game Legends of Norrath®, as well as the recent kids’ phenomenon Free RealmsTM, SOE continues to raise the bar for online gaming and players worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, with additional studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver and Tucson, SOE has a slate of engaging, high-quality games currently in development across new genres for all platforms and audiences.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Free Realms and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC.

All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Nintendo Have Released A Gameplay Video For Sin And Punishment 2

Nintendo have released a gameplay video for Sin And Punishment 2. this video is entirely in-game and is a solo run through some of the games levels. the trailer shows the frantic action in the game and a couple of the games big bosses. the trailer also shows how easy it is to switch between light gun action and the character attacking enemies with a sword type weapon.





EA Have Released The Debut Trailer For Spare Parts

EA have released the debut trailer for Spare Parts. This trailer introduces the games two main robots and shows them in action in the game, mostly defeating enemies. the trailer shows that there is a touch of humour in the robots animations and behaviours. the trailer shows the game appears to be a 3D Platform game, kinda in a similar vain to Ratchet & Clank.




EA Have Released New Screenshots Of Co-Op Multiplayer In Deathspank

EA Have released new screenshots for Deathspank. these screenshots focus on the games co-op multiplayer mode, showing the two characters, a big burly guy and a wizard, taking on a variety of enemies together. the in-game screenshots show a few of the games locations, as well as what appears to be both the wizard and warrior combining attacks.

Screenshots



EA Have Released A Behind The Scenes Video For Greenday Rockband

EA Have released a behind the scenes video for Greenday Rockband. this video shows footage from the game whilst some of the developers talk about the game or members of Greenday discuss their music in the game. An interesting aspect the developers talk about is how albums like American Idiot, being an concept album, really needs to have every track in the game. but some tracks had previously been released. to get round this, the game will check for Rock Band songs you've downloaded and import the Green Day songs into the game.





EA Have Released A New Madden NFL 11 Trailer

EA have released a new trailer for Madden NFL 11. this trailer is in-game and shows in-game action from a first person view. it shows a player going from the team bus, to the changing room, to the pitch, to scoring.




EA Have Released A New Madden NFL 11 Developer Interview Focusing On Online Team Play

EA Have released a new developer interview for Madden NFL 11. this video focuses on Online Team Play, an evolution of last years Co-op Play. Team Play now supports up to 3 players on each team, with the ability to communicate with each player using a mic, meaning you can now play your team with the 3 of you against an opposing team with 3 human opponents. the developers talk about how being a line back means you get to control them whilst the other members of your team control other aspects. there are also in-game performance goals you can aim for whilst playing in a certain position, and obtaining these goals you ability and ratings improve. the boosts you earn in a game are carried into other games and continues to improve.




Tecmo Koei Have Released New Screenshots And A Trailer For Fist Of The North Star: Kens Rage

Tecmo Koei have released new screenshots and a trailer for Fist Of The North Star: Kens Rage. the screenshots and trailer are in-game and mostly show Ken fighting a variety of enemies. they both show ken fighting with his fists and feet as well as some of his super moves. The trailer also reveals a bit of the games back story.



Screenshots




UK PSN Update 23/06/2010

Special Offers
PS3: UFC 2009 Undisputed – Addiontal Fighters [£1.19]
PS3: Blue Toad Murder Files – Episode 1 [£0.99]
PS3: PixleJunk Monsters [£2.39]
PS3: PixleJunk Monsters – Encore [£1.19]
PS3: Ferrari Challenge – Pack 2, 1 Track & 5 Cars [£2.39]
PSP: PixleJUnk Monsters Deluxe [£6.29]
PSP: Super Stardust Portable [£3.99]
PSP: Little Big Planet – The Canyons Theme [£1.19]
PSP: Little Big Planet – The Island Theme [£1.19]
PS1: Constructor [£1.59]
Minis: Mahjongg Artefacts: Chapter 2 [£1.74]

PS3 Games
FirstPlay Episode 012 [£0.99]
FirstPlay 90 Day Subscription [£8.99]
Red Dead Redemption – Outlaws To The End Co-op Pack [Free]
The Secret Of Monkey Island: Special Edition [£7.99]
Landit Bandit [£9.99]
Puzzlegeddon [£6.29]
Fret Nice [£9.99]
Blue Toad Murder Files – Episodes 1-6 [£17.99]
NBA Unrivalled [£9.99]
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Onslaught Mode [£7.19]
Skate 3 – Black Box Distribution Skate Park [£2.39]
Lost Planet 2 – Helghast Assault and Helghast Scout [Free]
Nat Geo Quiz: Wild Life [£4.79]
Super Street Fighter IV – Super Shadaloo Pack [£3.19]
Clash Of The Titans – Hades Challenge [£1.59]
MAG – Interdiction Power Pack [£6.29]
Just Cause 2 – Agency Hovercraft [£0.79]
Just Cause 2 – Bull's Eye Assault Riffle [£0.79]
Just Cause 2 – Chevalier Classic [£0.79]
Little Big Planet – Solstice Costume [Free]
ModNation Racers – Princess Pack [£1.39]

Demo's
None

Guitar Hero 5
All Time Low Track Pack [£4.39]
“Damned If I Do Ya (Live)” by All Time Low [£1.59]
“Dear Maria Count Me In” by All Time Low [£1.59]
“Weightless” by All Time Low [£1.59]

Rock Band
“7 Things” By Miley Cyrus [£0.99]
“Can't Be Tamed” by Miley Cyrus [£0.99]
“Fly On The Wall” by Miley Cyrus [£0.99]
“See You Again” by Miley Cyrus [£0.99]
“Star All Over” by Miley Cyrus [£0.99]

Rock Band Network Latest
“Creepy Doll” by Jonathan Coulton [£0.99]
“HTML Rulez D00d” by The Devil Wears Prada [£0.99]
“Jumper 09” by Third Eye Blind [£0.99]
“Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven [£0.99]
“Requiem For A Drying Song” by Flogging Molly [£0.59]

DJ Hero
None

Karaoke Revolution
None

Videos
Aliens vs Predator – Launch Trailer
Aliens vs Predator – Multiplayer Trailer
Aliens vs Predator – Kill movies Trailer
Alpha Protocol – A Man Alone Trailer
Yakuza 3 – Introducing Yakuza 3
Yakuza 3 – Memories

Wallpaper
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 Wallpaper 1
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 Wallpaper 2

Theme
The Dark Knight – Joker Standard Theme [£1.79]

Dynamic Theme
ModNation Racers [£1.59]

PSN ID Avatars
Little Big Planet – World Cup Avatars £0.20 each
Flower – Door [£0.20]
Flower – Blue Flower [£0.20]
Flower – Pictures [£0.20]
Flower – Pink poppy Flower [£0.20]
Flower – Red Flower [£0.20]
Flower – Avatar Bundle 1 [£0.79]

PS1 Classic
None

PSP
Little Big Planet – Unidentified Sacking Objects Costume [Free]
Little Big Planet – Unidentified Sacking Objects Level kit [£2.39]
Loco Roco: Midnight Carnival – BuiBui Level Pack [£2.39]
Loco Roco: Midnight Carnival – Official Strategy Guide [£1.59]
Loco Roco: Midnight Carnival – Ultimate Edition [£4.79]
Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker [£31.99]

Minis
Bloons TD [£3.49]
Arcade Darts [£2.49]
4x4 Jam [£5.99]

Demo
None

Theme
None

Video
None


Sony Detail The First Two Months Of Playstation Plus Rewards

Sony have detailed the games and offers that are going to be available to Playstation Plus subscribers in the first 2 months of the service. Sony have confirmed that the Killzone 2 DLC will be yours even if your subscription ends. the Push Demos are the demos that your PS3 will download itself, if you set your PS3 to check for downloads.

Month 1: June 29th – August 3rd
  • Intro offer: LBP (standard edition)
  • PSN PS3: Wipeout HD
  • minis: Field Runners, Age of Zombies
  • PSone: Destruction Derby
  • Full Game Trial: Shatter, Savage Moon
  • Discounts: LBP God of War Pack – 50%, LBP: LocoRoco costume pack – 50%, Gravity Crash – 20%, Fat Princess DLC – 20%
  • Premium Game Element: KillZone 2:  Steel & Titanium DLC
  • Push demo: ModNation Racers, Heavy Rain
  • Themes: LBP Theme, SCEE produced: PlayStation “Game Is Just The Start” Dynamic Theme
  • 2 x Fat Princess Premium Avatars

Month 2: August 4th – September 1st
  • PSN PS3: Zen Pinball
  • minis: Blast-Off, Alien Zombie Death
  • PSone: Medievil
  • Full Game Trial: Inferno Pool, Mushroom Wars
  • Discounts: Zen Pinball Earth Defence Table – 20%, Warhawk Triple Combo Pack – 50%, Super Stardust HD  - 20%, WipeOutHD Fury – 20%
  • Premium Game Elements: Motorstorm Pacific Rift: Adrenaline Pack
  • Push Demo: Flower, Pixel Junk Shooter
  • Themes: “SCEE produced: PlayStation + Dynamic Theme (in production), Heavy Rain Crime Scene Theme
  • 2 x Heavy Rain Avatars (Bird and Butterfly)of my post.
From EU Playstation Blog


Sony Reveal Playstation Plus Pricing Plans For The UK, EU, Oceania, And Middle East


Sony's EU Playstation Blog has revealed the pricing of Playstation Plus for European Countries and Some Oceania and Middle East Countries. There could be a slight change in these prices come the release of Playstation Plus.

Country / 1 Year Subscription / 90 Days Subsciption

Australia: AUD 69.95 / 20.95
Austria: € 49.99 / €14.99
Belgium: € 49.99 / €14.99
Czech Republic: CZK 1299 / 390
Denmark: DKK 375 / 115
Finland: € 49.95 / €14.95
France: € 49.99 / €14.99
Germany: € 49.99 /  €14.99
Greece: € 49.99 / €14.99
Ireland: € 49.99 / €14.99
Italy: € 49.99 / €14.99
Luxembourg: € 49.99 / €14.99
Netherlands: € 49.99 / €14.99
New Zealand: NZD 89.95 / 26.95
Norway: NOK 395 / 119
Poland: PLN 195 / 59
Portugal: € 49.99 / €14.99
Saudi Arabia: USD 64.99 / 19.99
South Africa: ZAR 489 / 145
Spain: € 49.99 / €14.99
Sweden: SEK 480 / 145
Switzerland: CHF 69.95 / 20.95
United Arab Emirates: USD 64.99 / 19.99
United Kingdom: £39.99 / £11.99

From EU Playstation Blog


Capcom Announce The Zangief And Cammy Update For The iPhone Version Of Street Fighter IV Is Out Now



Capcom have announced that the free update for Street Fighter IV on the iPhone that adds Cammy And Zangief to the game is out now. the now 10 characters in the game can all be played in the single player and head to head modes.

From Capcom Unity


Namco Bandai Have Released New Screenshots And A Video Showing Levelling Up In Puzzle Quest II

Namco Bandai have released new screenshots and a trailer for Puzzle Quest II that focus on levelling up in the game. the trailer shows that after a battle, if you level up you are taken to a new screen where you get a choice as to what feature of your character you want to enhance, like strength. the screenshots show clearly the additional benefits you get from each feature you level up.



360 Screenshots


DS Screenshots



Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast For Wednesday 23rd June

This is all the news from Wednesday  23rd June.

You can subscribe to the Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast on iTunes and if you do or are already a subscriber, it would be very helpful for me if you can rate and review the podcast.

A podcast is available on iTunes from:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=328547861

A RSS Feed from Podbean:
http://qtegamers.podbean.com/feed

And on qtegamers.blogspot.com:
http://qtegamers.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio Re-Cap


Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)


  • QTE Blog: Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ht.ly/17R1yq
  • QTE Blog: Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast For Tuesday 22nd June http://ht.ly/17R3y9
  • iPhone: the new iPhone 4 has been taken apart, it does have 512mb RAM and a 1ghz Arm Cortex A8, battery is 1420mAh http://ht.ly/22dya
  • PS3: its reported the once DS exclusive level 5 and Studio Ghibli game, Ninokuni, is coming to the PS3 in HD http://ht.ly/22dML
  • Its reported Brian May says Guitar Hero Queen is coming out Next Year http://ht.ly/22dPO
  • A Screenshot of Mortal Kombat character selection reveals there are 26 fighters and DLC http://ht.ly/22dRH
  • QTE Blog: Sony Announce DC Comics Are Now Available On The Digital Comic Store http://ht.ly/17R99a
  • 3DS: Sega's Mike Hayes expects the 3DS to have a more mature audience, looks forward to grown up games on it http://ht.ly/22fAR
  • 3DS: Satoru Iwata reveals game development costs for the high end games may reach the same levels of Wii http://ht.ly/22fHW
  • DS: Nintendo say they are still committed to the Nintendo DS and will continue to support it. http://ht.ly/22hU1
  • Harmonix says Dance Central could come to the PS3 with move support, but it can't come to the Wii http://ht.ly/22jaf
  • QTE Blog: New Zero Punctuation - Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands http://ht.ly/17ReEv
  • QTE Blog: This Weeks UK PSP Digital Comic Store Update http://ht.ly/17RiO4
  • QTE Blog: EA Announce Kevin Durant Is The Cover Athlete For NBA Elite 11 http://ht.ly/17Rl7D
  • QTE Blog: EA Have Released A New Trailer For RISK: Factions http://ht.ly/17RnLg
  • QTE Blog: Sony Detail Playstation Plus And Reveal Retail PS3 Games Are Also Coming To The PSN From 29th June http://ht.ly/17Rqj3