UK PSN Update 18/02/10

Seasonal Offers
PS3: Call Of Juarez Bound In blood – Old West Pack [£3.99]
PS3: Shaun Whie Snowboarding – Glamour Pack [£2.39]
PS3: Tom Clancy's Endwar – Faction Elite Pack [£1.59]
PS3: Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix [£5.49]
PS3: Marvel vs Capcom 2 [£5.49]
PS1: Lilo & Stich: Trouble In Paradise [£3.19]
PS1: A Bugs Life [£3.19]
PSP: Brothers In Arms D-Day [£7.99]
PSP: Prince Of Persia: Revelations [£7.99]
PSP: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turltes [£7.99]

Mini's Sale
Sudoku [£3.49]
Bowling 3D [£3.49]
Tetris [£3.49]
YetiSports [£1.74]
Red Bull X-Fighters [£3.49]
Lets Golf! [£2.49]
Spot The Differences! [£1.24]
Stand O'Food [£3.49]

PS3 Games
Revenge Of The Wounded Dragons [£6.29]
Peggle [£6.29]
Peggle nights [£3.19]
Burnout Paradise Complete Edition [£23.99]
Burnout Paradise Complete DLC Edition [£15.99]
Resident Evil 5 – Costume Pack 1 [£1.59]
Resident Evil 5 – Lost In Nightmares [£3.99]
Assassins Creed II – Sequence 13: Bonfire Of The Vanities & Secret Locations [£5.49]
Assassins Creed II - Sequence 13: Bonfire Of The Vanities [£3.19]
Dragon Ball Raging Blast – Saiyans Pack [Free]
Dante's Inferno – Florentine Dante Costume [£1.59]
Star Wars The Force Unleashed – Hoth Mission Pack [£7.99]
Buzz! - National Geographic Kids Quiz [£6.29]

Demo's
Digger HD
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
Yakuza 3

Guitar Hero 5
Blink 182 Track Pack [£4.39]
“Adams Song” By Blink 182 [£1.59]
“All The Small Things” By Blink 182 [£1.59]
“First Date” By Blink 182 [£1.59]

Rock Band
Otis Redding Pack 01 (£4.39)
“Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” by Otis Redding (£0.99)
“I’m Sick Y’all” by Otis Redding (£0.99)
“I’ve Got Dreams To Remember” by Otis Redding (£0.99)
“Love Man” by Otis Redding(£0.99/€1.49)
“(Sitting On The) Dock of the Bay (Take 2)” by Otis Redding (£0.99)
Fascination by Alphabeat (£0.99)
Let Forever Be by The Chemical Brothers (£0.99)
Stray Cat Strut by Brian Setzer (£0.99)
Weightless by All Time Low (£0.99)

The Beatles Rock Band
None

Videos
FIFA 10 – Ultimate Team Trailer

Movie Trailer
None

Wallpaper
Topatoi Wallpaper 5

Theme
Amazing Peaks [£1.19]
Haemorrhage [£1.19]
Resident Evil 5 Customizable Theme [£1.19]

Dynamic Theme
Flower [£1.59]

PSN ID Avatars
MAG – Valor Character [£0.20]
MAG – Valor Badge [£0.20]
MAG – S.V.E.R.Character [£0.20]
MAG – S.V.E.R Badge [£0.20]
MAG – Raven Character [£0.20]
MAG – Raven Badge [£0.20]

PS1 Classic
None

PSP
SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 [£24.99]
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days [£23.99]
Half Minute Hero [£23.99]
SEGA Rally [£13.99]
Little Big Planet – The Wedding Costume [Free]
Little Big Planet – The Wedding Level [£2.39]

Minis
Retro Cave Flyer [2.49]
Telegraph Sudoku & Kakuro [£2.49]

Demo
Thexder Neo

Theme
None

Video
None

Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

• QTE Blog: Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/16BbjA

• QTE Blog: Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/16Bd1g

• The latest Famitsu has revealed that Ibuki, Makoto and Dudley, from Street fighter III, are in Super Street fighter IV http://ow.ly/18fPn

• Atari have posted Q3 financials, ends Dec 31st. €92.5 million in revenue, down 1.9% year on year http://ow.ly/18fZq

• PS3: Tetsuya Nomura says Final Fantasy Vs XIII Development is going well, uncertain if it'll show at E3. http://ow.ly/18g1v

• Bumble Bee + Optimus Prime Toys from the Transformers: War For Cybertron game have been shown. http://ow.ly/18g53

• Codemasters have said that there will be no more Patches or DLC for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising http://ow.ly/18gbH

• Nintendo has renewed the Eternal Darkness trademark. its speculated its coming to the Wii as a "New Play Control!" game http://ow.ly/18gfH

• Sonic Team is not working on Sonic The Hedgehog 4, neither is any internal Sega studio. its being done by Dimps http://ow.ly/18gpN

• PS3: Sonys Rob Dyer has said that whilst the 360 has a substantial 3rd party lineup, it's first party falls short of Sony http://ow.ly/18iE3

• 360: Alan Wake devs said the game used to be a sandbox game, but they scrapped it for a more linear approach http://ow.ly/18iFr

• PS3: Since MAG was released in January, over 500k units have been sold. http://ow.ly/18iHt

• Tetsuya Nomura says Sora won't be the main character in Kingdom Hearts 3. http://ow.ly/18iJO

• Its reported that the PS2/360/PC game Final Fantasy XI will shut down this year to make way for Final Fantasy XIV http://ow.ly/18iLF

• PSP: Hong Kong mag, GameWave, has reported that Monster Hunter Tri is out this year. its a port of the Wii game. http://ow.ly/18iNP

• PS3: Posters in the USA Home have gone up with Yoda and the words "HOME The Force Is" and date18/02/10 http://ow.ly/18iQ1

• QTE Blog: D3 Announce They Are Brining The PSP Game God Eater To The USA In Q3 2010 http://ow.ly/16BjXk

• QTE Blog: New Zero Punctuation - Mass Effect 2 http://ow.ly/16BjXj

• RT @majornelson: (1/2) FYI: Some XBLA titles are no longer available for purchase from Xbox LIVE Arcade due to publisher evolving rights..

• (2/2) and permissions. they are: Cyberball, Defender, Paperboy, Rootbeer Tapper, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3,Robotron,Joust,Gauntlet & Smash TV

• PSP: retail versions of SOCOM Firestorm Bravo 3 will come with a code that'll need to be entered to play the game online http://ow.ly/18mrG

• 360: Microsoft have said that Joyride has been delayed until later this year, after it missed its late 2009 release. http://ow.ly/18mBg

• THQ Have announced that the next Saints Row, Red Faction, and De Blob games will be multiplatform. http://ow.ly/18mEz

• QTE Blog: EA Have Released New Screenshots And A Trailer For FIFA 10 Ultimate Team DLC http://ow.ly/16Bl8O

• QTE Blog: The Make-A-Wish Foundation Announce That Blizzard Entertainment Have Made A Donation Of $1.1 Million http://ow.ly/16Bl8N

• PSP: Capcom responds to rumours that Monster Hunter Tri is coming to PSP, they say its a photoshop job, not official http://ow.ly/18mHy

• PS3: its reported that there are stock issues in the UK over the PS3 Slim. Demand is 20% above expectations http://ow.ly/18mJs

• Ace Attorney Director, Shu Takumi, didn't expect the Phoenix Wright games to be released in the West or its popularity http://ow.ly/18mLe

• South Peak have released financials. Revenues fell to $10.1M, from $17.1M last year. they made a loss of $2.6M http://ow.ly/18mNd

• QTE Blog: Sony Online Entertainment Release A New Trailer For EverQuest II Sentinel's Fate And Announce Its Out Now http://ow.ly/16Bn1r

• QTE Blog: THQ And NVIDA Announce Metro 2033 Will Feautre DX11, NVIDIA 3D Vision, And NVIDIA PhysX Support http://ow.ly/16Bn1q

• Wii: Analyst Mike Hickey thinks Nintendo need to cut the price of the Wii to help avoid weak sales through the year http://ow.ly/18mPn

• Microsoft Game Studios creative director, Kenneth Lobb, says "... Someday we will bring back KI [Killer Instinct].” http://ow.ly/18mRV

• Sonys Rob Dyer says that the console exclusivity trend will continue to disappear in the future. advertisements important http://ow.ly/18obP

• 360: Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg responds to sony's earlier comments, says the 360 “offers more exclusives..." http://ow.ly/18odK

• PS3: Vidzone say if music artists went 3D, they would work with SCEE to see if the Vidzone App could also go 3D http://ow.ly/18oeZ

• DS: Capcom have trademarked Okamiden in the USA. http://ow.ly/18rw3

• Xbox World have said their next magazine will have a first look at Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. http://ow.ly/18rxA

• PC: PC Gamer have tested Ubisofts DRM. it showed that when a connection is lost, unsaved data is lost + sent to main menu http://ow.ly/18rAb

THQ And NVIDA Announce Metro 2033 Will Feautre DX11, NVIDIA 3D Vision, And NVIDIA PhysX Support

THQ and NVIDIA have announced that the upcoming shooter from 4A Games, Metro 2033, will have Advanced DX11, NVIDIA 3D Vision, And NVIDIA PhysX Support. They reveal that 4A Games and NVIDIA worked together on the 4A Engine so it could take full advantage of DX11.

The benefits of DX11 support are advanced Depth of Field Effects and Full Tessellation on Character models. THQ Have released in-game screenshots from Metro 2033 showing the benefits of DX11 Support.

Direct X 11 Screenshots


Press Release

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Feb 17, 2010 THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and NVIDIA today announced that Metro 2033TM, the upcoming first person shooter from 4A Games, will support a number of advanced DX11 features with the latest generation of DX11 graphics cards, as well as NVIDIA 3D Vision support. Metro 2033 will also feature advanced, hardware accelerated physical effects using NVIDIA PhysX.

Gamers with DX11 cards will experience advanced Depth of Field effects as well as Full Tessellation on character models. You can see the results on the officialMetro 2033 Flickr Collection at http://www.flickr.com/photos/metro2033.

"Our engineers have been working closely with 4A Games to ensure that Metro 2033 takes full advantage of some of the spectacular effects made possible with the next generation of DX11 hardware," said Tony Tamasi, Senior Vice President of Content and Technology at NVIDIA. "The 4A Engine is one of the most advanced game engines we’ve ever worked with, and with DX11 enabled, Metro 2033 is undoubtedly one of the best looking PC games of 2010. Combine this with NVIDIA 3D Vision and PhysX and you will experience mind-blowing visuals."

Metro 2033 is scheduled for release in North America and Germany on the 16th March, Australia on the 18th March, and in the UK and the rest of Europe on the 19th March, on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC.

For the latest Metro 2033 news, visit Metro2033Game.com, follow Twitter.com/Metro2033 or become a fan at Facebook.com/Metro2033.

About Metro 2033
Set in the shattered subway of a post apocalyptic Moscow, Metro 2033 is a story of intensive underground survival where the fate of mankind rests in your hands.alyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the earth’s surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age.

The year is 2033. An entire generation has been born and raised underground, and their besieged Metro Station-Cities struggle for survival, with each other, and the mutant horrors that await outside.

You are Artyom, born in the last days before the fire, but raised Underground. Having never ventured beyond your Metro Station-City limits, one fateful event sparks a desperate mission to the heart of the Metro system, to warn the remnants of mankind of a terrible impending threat. Your journey takes you from the forgotten catacombs beneath the subway to the desolate wastelands above, where your actions will determine the fate of mankind.

About THQ
THQ Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ"), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Metro 2033 video game, and are based upon management's current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Sony Online Entertainment Release A New Trailer For EverQuest II Sentinel's Fate And Announce Its Out Now

Sony Online Entertainment have released a new trailer for EverQuest II Expansion, Sentinel's Fate. this trailer is a launch trailer and is made from in-game footage of the expansion. the trailer shows some of the new Encounters, Zones, Creatures, And Items that come with this expansion.

Sony Online Entertainment have also announced that Sentinel's Fate is out now, from certain retailers, for the suggest retail price of $39.99. a Digital release, at www.everquest2.com, will be released on 23rd February.
Click the Read More/Comment section below to view the new features and pre-order bonuses for EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate.



Press Release

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – FEBRUARY 16, 2010 – Gamers worldwide can now log-in and immerse themselves in EverQuest® II Sentinel’s Fate™, the latest expansion from the massively multiplayer online game by Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE). Sentinel’s Fate is the sixth expansion for the groundbreaking EverQuest II franchise. This all-in-one compilation pack will be available at select retail stores on February 16, 2010 for the suggested retail price of $39.99 USD plus applicable tax and via digital download atwww.everquest2.com beginning February 23, 2010.

“Sentinel’s Fate is the result of inspiration derived from both the original EverQuest franchise and suggestions made by our dedicated player community,” said Alan Crosby, Producer, Sony Online Entertainment. “By honing in on what’s important to our players, we have been able to refine the overall gameplay experience and ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy in this expansion, new players and veterans alike.”

EverQuest II Sentinel’s Fate transports players into a universe of legend and lore where exploration is just the beginning. It includes many highly-detailed areas that are fondly remembered from the original EverQuest®, as well as brand new areas to discover. Players can now explore the fabled lands of Odus, filled with epic quests, magnificent dungeons and limitless content provide the ultimate MMO experience for new players and seasoned veterans alike. Sentinel’s Fate presents the next chapter of the EverQuest II legacy which has been written by the passion of players and fueled by the hunger for adventure. Retail customers will enjoy up to a 7-day head start of gameplay access before the digital release. Customers who purchase the Collector’s Edition will receive an exclusive Armored Highland Stalker in-game mount with matching pewter figurine.

Finally, current EverQuest II subscribers with characters level 80-90 can now participate in the ultimate PVP with the complimentary addition of Battlegrounds. Battlegrounds allows players to engage in the most exciting and intense PvP battle against their friends or foes, regardless of server, and provide thrilling group-based, competitive matches in three all-new zones.

EverQuest II Sentinels Fate Features:
• Level cap increase to 90 to achieve your character’s greatest potential
• Two expansive new overland zones to discover: The Sundered Frontier and Stonebrunt Highlands
• 12 new dungeons to battle through
• 400 new quests based on the legend of Odus
• Five new Heritage Quests with valuable new loot
• Over 2,000 new weapons, armor, and items to enjoy
• All new alternate advancement abilities to expand your arsenal of powers
• Hundreds of new dangerous and cunning creatures
EverQuest II Sentinel’s Fate Standard Edition Retail Box Includes: (Available for purchase February 16, 2010)
• Sentinel’s Fate™ expansion pack, plus the entire award-winning content from five previously released expansion packs and three adventure packs
• Players can explore up to 90 levels of breathtaking content in more than 300 expansive and dangerous environments both new and nostalgic
• Experience the legend and lore of EQII through more than 8,000 quests with over 5,000 savage creatures
• Forge your character’s destiny by choosing from 19 unique player races and 24 distinct character classes
• Customize your character with unique armor sets, exciting weapon advancements, fascinating mounts and collect thousands of items for your home or guild hall
• Includes Legends of NorrathTM strategic online trading card game

EverQuest II Sentinel’s Fate Collector’s Edition Retail Box Includes: (Available for purchase February 16, 2010)
• Up to a 7-day head start of gameplay access before the digital release
• Exclusive Armored Highland Stalker in-game mount to accompany you through your Norrathian adventure
• Collectible Armored Highland Stalker figurine
• Coveted Guarding of the Reasoned in-game armor* to provide extra protection on your journey
• EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary
• $10.00 Sentinel’s Fate digital download discount coupon for Station Store
• 500 Station Cash™ to spend on virtual items
• Legends of Norrath™ The Fall of Erudin scenario
• 30-day subscription included for new accounts

EQII Sentinel’s Fate Station Store Digital Download (Available for purchase February 23, 2010)
• Coveted Guarding of the Learned armor* to provide extra protection on your journey
• Legends of Norrath™ The Fall of Erudin scenario
• 500 Station Cash™ to spend on virtual items
• 30-day subscription included for new accounts

EQII Sentinel’s Fate Station Cash™ Purchase (Available for purchase February 23, 2010 through the EQII in-game Marketplace)
• Coveted Guarding of the Learned armor* to provide extra protection on your journey
• Legends of Norrath™ The Fall of Erudin scenario
• 500 Station Cash™ to spend on virtual items
• 30-day subscription included for new accounts

*In-game item: Limit one (1) per character. Non-transferable. No cash value.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest, PlanetSide, and Champions of Norrath are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation Announce That Blizzard Entertainment Have Made A Donation Of $1.1 Million

The Make-A-Wish foundation have revealed that Blizzard Entertainment have made a donation of $1.1 Million. Blizzard Entertainment released a special World of Warcraft in-game pet, The Pandaren Monk, from which 50% of the total sales between November 2009 and December 2009 would be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Blizzard Entertainment made the presentation at their California headquarters were 15 Wish Children were invited to learn and experience the development of World Of Warcraft. The Pictures and captions below were provided with the press release.

Wish kid Jordan Cofinco shares a light moment with Frank Pearce and Chris Metzen of Blizzard Entertainment during an exclusive tour of the company's headquarters in Irvine, Calif.

Blizzard Entertainment CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime presents a $1.1 million donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of Blizzard and its World of Warcraft player community. Accepting the donation are Mark Pilon (right), president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire, and Jon Stettner (left), Make-A-Wish Foundation International president and CEO

Press Release

PHOENIX --(Business Wire)-- Feb 17, 2010 The Make-A-Wish Foundation today announced a $1.1 million donation from Blizzard Entertainment, a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. The donation is based on 50 percent of the total sales during November and December 2009 of a special in-game pet, the Pandaren Monk, for Blizzard's award-winning, massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft®.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Blizzard made the presentation during a special ceremony at the company's headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Blizzard invited 15 wish children who are also gaming enthusiasts and their families to enjoy an exclusive learning experience with the World of Warcraft development team, including an inside look at how the game is created.

“We've had a long relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and we're proud to support the priceless work they do for children,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “This donation also reflects the spirit and generosity of our players – their enthusiasm for World of Warcraft and for supporting a good cause made this possible.”

The contribution will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, which serves children with life-threatening medical conditions in the United States and its territories, and Make-A-Wish Foundation International, which grants the wishes of children outside the United States in 35 countries.

“Thanks to Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players around the world, we will be able to grant the heartfelt wishes of even more courageous children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “This generosity is helping us bring hope, strength and joy to children when they – and their families – are facing an unimaginably difficult time in their young lives.”

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world. With the help of generous donors and more than 30,000 volunteers worldwide, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 240,000 wishes worldwide since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, visitwish.org, and for Make-A-Wish Foundation International, visit worldwish.org.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes eleven #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active users.

EA Have Released New Screenshots And A Trailer For FIFA 10 Ultimate Team DLC

EA Have released new screenshots for the upcoming Ultimate Team DLC for FIFA 10. the screenshots are from both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, whilst the trailer is from the Playstation 3 version only.

Both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 screenshots are in-game, but they both show off the same thing. here menus, squads, and card transfers are shown. in the Trailer, the focus is on tournaments. the trailer goes through some of the different types of tournaments and the different entry requirements for them. the trailer is also made from in-game footage.



PS3 Screenshots


360 Screenshots

New Zero Punctuation - Mass Effect 2

This weeks Zero Punctuation tackles Mass Effect 2. could a game, that many are touting as Game Of The year 2010, that worked hard to remove the parts that didn't work from the First game, that is from BioWare...could Mass Effect 2 be a game that Yahtzee will review well?