Let’s just be honest, the Need for Speed franchise has gotten a bit stale as of late. The series was beginning to feel like Madden, it seemed like you were getting one of the previous games from the series with a few new features and content. Typically that came in the form of new models of sports cars and some shiny new graphical techniques. Need for Speed: Shift has broken that mold and created a new foundation that EA will most likely build upon until there is no room to build anymore. The huge change in gameplay? Realism.

Though part of the fun of my previous favorite NFS game, Need For Speed: Most Wanted was the ridiculously over the top driving action, Need for Speed: Shift contains at least as much action if not, more. True, the action may not be the same as in that previous title, but in more of a SPEED TV’s GT kind of way. Gone are the driving off of platforms only to fall 50 feet and land your car full speed to evade police and make shortcuts. Cars don’t fly in Need for Speed: Shift, though you most likely will see a few wrecks that would make someone who gets shot out of a canon for a living cringe.

Also, gone are the ridiculous power slides and full 360 turns while maintaining top speed. Apparently in the new NFS universe the laws of physics apply somewhat. Need for Speed: Shift is the first game I have played that conveys the feeling of weight transfer in a vehicle. This is achieved by the camera movements in the cockpit view and the blurred screen that shortly follows to simulate disorientation. These subtle camera movements are impressive as they simulate the driver moving in the seat from side to side or the lunge forward as the weight transfers from the rear suspension to the front during a head on collision. No other game does this on the level Need for Speed: Shift does right now. Just having that cockpit immersion, while seemingly ridiculous or distracting at times, is note worthy.

Though the game can be played from tradition hood views and behind the car views, you really are missing out if you don’t experience the cockpit view. While race games have modeled the outside of vehicles for many years now the individual interiors of cars is something that began with current gen systems. Need for Speed: Shift models every car interior from the drivers seat to the dash board, and passenger seat all the way down to stereo and gauges, all of which work by the way. In some vehicles you may even find yourself using these dashboard gauges instead Heads Up Display. For the racing vets you’ll probably just rely on the sound of the motor but it’s still cool to see.

The motors sound incredible, with the sound being great, period. Well maybe not the music but who really expects that anyway. From the tires squealing to the suspension bottoming out, this game is aurally immersive. More impressive than the individual sounds are the way the whole cacophony of them come together to create a sense of violence and struggle between maintaining speed and control. All this sucks you that much deeper into the experience and exhilaration of being a race car driver.

Need for Speed: Shift is a bit loose as far as handling goes and does allow a somewhat arcade driving style to work with all the assists on, but its understandable that the developer had a desire to make the game more accessible. If anything this allows a player to grow with Need for Speed: Shift and perhaps begin cutting the assists back as they progress through the game. There’s plenty of time to improve as well.

Need for Speed: Shift throws you right into a race to gauge your skill and then even recommends driving assists. From there you start out as usual in a mildly spirited machine and race in the first of several tiers of racing events to lead you to the big leagues so to speak, the NFS World Tour. Races have a nice bit of variety too from ‘run what ya brung’ to drifting events, car rivalries, nemesis challenges, and closed class races. The difficulty of opponents does seem to ramp up as things go along but the AI has a remarkably human feel to it. Opponents make mistakes, crash into each other, and even drive off the track at random moments. It’s nice to actually play a racer where the AI isn’t perfect, where that guy you been chasing and can’t catch may actually mess up.

Need for Speed: Shift is easily the most fun I’ve had playing a racing game in a couple of years. The upgrades and tuning provides that aspect that the tinkerers and car fanatics always enjoy. The races are both unpredictable and frenetic, while feeling more rewarding and skillful than any NFS title has been to date. Whether you’re a fan of the NFS series or Gran Turismo you will be able to appreciate what Need for Speed: Shift does. Big props to Slightly Mad Studios for taking over the game and breathing some new life into the dated franchise.

Rockstar Leeds is adding enhancements such as upscaled widescreen graphics, enhanced lighting and animation, and new story missions.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars hits the PlayStation Portable this Fall.

Kojima-san popped up yet again @ E3, this time at SCEA’s conference to announce Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP. It seems that this entry in the series will be a return to the more traditional Metal Gear Solid gameplay, and may be following Solid Snake instead of Big Boss.

The Patapons have left their home in search of the mythical Earthend. In their quest for what lay at the end of the world, the ship the Patapon set off on is attacked by a mighty sea monster and suddenly, the Patapons are shipwrecked in a strange new land. Taking the role of the “Mighty One”, it’s your job to lead the Patapons through new adventures as they once again take up the quest to find Earthend.

Gamers accustomed to the previous Patapon game for Sony PSP will already know the basics. Using the face buttons of the PSP system, the Mighty One plays the mystical Drum of Valor that the Patapons (one-eyed tribal people) simply cannot resist. The rhythm and tempo of your beats on the drum tell your Patapons whether to march, attack or defend their way to glory in a new adventure that contains double the amount of content as the first game. Tempo, pacing and, as the game introduces new commands, memory are the order of the day with this adventure.

New in Patapon 2 is the hero ability that is unleashed by the new Patapon Hero Character. This hero character is a customizable avatar that brings out a newfound strength with your brave little Patapons. Through tapping out three sets of beats with perfect timing, the hero ability is activated, summoning super moves that bring out a brand new level of tactics to the franchise?s somewhat simple gameplay. The larger enemies of this game easily become more manageable thanks to the hero commands and boss battles reach a new level of challenge and skill. The hero ability is a great addition to the game and adds a new level of flash with the already addictive and cutesy style of Patapon 2.

As you play, the hero isn’t the only character that changes. The evolution system of the original game has been revamped and introduces some new unit types. New warrior types can be added to your army. The Toripon is a birdlike unit that uses long-range attacks. Mahopon are Patapon 2’s equivalent of support characters and easily one of the best units in the game. Though frustratingly weak, their spell casting attacks and healing support make them a valuable addition to your army. Mecha fans will get a kick out of the Robopon that uses powerful attacks to smash and charge through enemy units and barricades.

The good thing about Patapon 2 is that the gameplay of the original game remains virtually intact. The addition of a multiplayer mode now allows you and up to three friends the opportunity to play through dozens of levels. Ad-hoc wireless and Game Sharing (for people that do not own the game) takes the game in a new direction from the original “single-player only” game. Each player has control of one Patapon Hero and everyone works together to ferry a huge egg to the end of the stage. Once the stage is completed, all the players jam out beats to hatch the egg. At the end, any rewards taken away are kept by the host of the multiplayer game so it’s a wonderful idea to play (and host) multiplayer games.

One of the more interesting things about Patapon 2 is how it?s being released. Available May 5th, Patapon 2 will be priced at $19.99 but not be released as a UMD. Retailers will have it available in stores as a download voucher that can be redeemed either on the PSP system, the PS3 system (both over the PSN) or on the PC using the Sony Media Manager software (available at Store.Playstation.com).

Don’t know if you guys are covering GDC, but there’s word that a bunch of out of nowhere announcements are happening, and I just found these buried on a message board. Some of this stuff is looking real. We’ll see how much of it sees light in 2009.

Call me Teeda if you use this:

• PSP slide will be shown for the first time in this year’s E3. The launch is next year.
• The currently available PSP model will get a price cut too. The cost will be 119$.
• Fumito Ueda will be there at GDC ‘09. He will announce 2 projects. One of them is Shadow of the Colossus Online.
• Syphon Filter is underway to PS3. Apparently the developers are using the same engine behind Killzone2.
• Insomniac is developing a new action platformer RPG. It looks like a Zelda clone.
• Jak 4 is on the way too.
• Daxter 2 will be on ready at the time of PSP slide launch.
• Legend of Dragoon is under development and is to be launched in japan this year.

Platforms: PSP
Publisher: SCEA

A giant, black meteor roars through the sky and comes crashing down. When the Moja Moja emerge and begin ravaging the world, another round of tilt and tumble gameplay takes off as Loco Roco returns on the Sony PSP.

Unless you’ve been asleep over the last two years, you may remember the really obscure title called Loco Roco. The game featured a cute singing blob character called Loco Roco that moved across the world in a melodic bliss. The main gameplay element consisted of using the L and R shoulder buttons to move about the world via mechanic of tilting the screen. It simulates the effect of a PSP having motion/tilt sensitivity.

The game is cute yet equally ridiculously bizarre. Using the L and R shoulder buttons, your Loco Roco rolls about the world and combining the two shoulder buttons and releasing them allows him to jump. Loco Roco starts off small, but eating buds off of plants makes your little guy grow bigger. When you have to maneuver into small places, simply hitting the O button will call a strike of lightning to split Loco Roco into smaller versions that can fit almost anywhere.

As you progress through the game, you encounter more Loco Roco which you can play as but essentially, they all do not differ in ability from each other and are merely color variations.

The core gameplay will have you roll and hop your way along from stage to stage, trying to collect up to 20 Loco Rocos per level and grabbing items that can be used in the Mui Mui house that you can build and customize. Featured in the original game as one of the more time-consuming parts of the game, the Mui Mui house returns with a greater level of customization and a lot more expansion.

Using Pickories (in-game currency) that you pick up through the game, the developers have also made sure to include mini games to play as a diversion for you from the main story. The Chuppa Chuppa game returns and this time it provides a real challenge. By shooting your Loco Roco through a maze of Chuppas, this game alone generates the best rewards, but it can drain your money. There’s also a racing game and a game quite similar to Whack-A-Mole that all provide mindless entertainment for hours.

Loco Roco 2 returns with more polish and a few innovations, but all that aside, it is a game that the player will want to take in small doses. Though not a flawed game, Loco Roco 2 can get easily repetitive and boring after 20 minutes of play. The level design and overall cuteness of the game cannot sustain it for very long. The $19.99 price tag does make it a game worth trying out and adds to the PSP library that as of late, has seen a drought of quality games.

One of the most difficult challenges in gaming is the production of an annual title. Sports titles have the unenviable task of creating a new and fresh experience for gamers, even though they typically have the shortest development cycle. Wrestling games, because of their rabid fan base, are some of the most difficult games to iterate. THQ made the educated decision to listen to what fans were clamoring for: more modes, more wrestlers, and more customization.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is a game that can be defined as redemption for THQ. In honor of the franchise’s 10th anniversary, THQ has done an amazing job in re-creating the look and more importantly the feel of WWE programming. From the all-new Road to Wrestlemania, (which chronicles seven different wrestlers on their quest for the ultimate pay-per-view), WWE Highlight Reel to the innovative Create-A-Finisher, and the copious amounts of unlockable content, there is almost too much to do in the game.

Play control has stayed faithful to WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, with some important changes. One of the things added to help make the game more accessible are cues for everything from reversing strikes and grapples to unleashing finishing moves.

Building up the momentum meter is achieved by mixing up attacks, grapples and strikes to gain the crowd’s favor. Once one of the meters has been filled up, you can unleash a signature move or store it. After storing a signature move, you’re free to use it at will, but you can also fill up the meter again to perform a finisher. This balancing act between unleashing signature moves now or saving it for finishing moves adds a little bit more strategy to the matches.

The overall AI is vastly improved over previous years’. The best example of this is evidenced during Tag-Team Matches. Previously, during a single player Tag-Team match, the User would control one player, while the computer would pretty much just stand around, clapping their hands and begging to be tagged in. Tag Team Matches are now high energy, referee distracting, tag-team move performing gems. That’s right folks: Tag-Team Matches are now one of the most entertaining matches to be found in the game.

Road to Wrestlemania is the featured single player mode; seven unique WWE Superstars follow storylines written by actual WWE writers, on their quest for glory at Wrestlemania. There is even a Co-op storyline, featuring Rey Mysterio and Batista, a wrestling game first. Looking at the crowds signs that reference previous matches, the absolutely decadent camera work, as well as the disturbingly accurate light and smoke shows represent a level of authenticity never before seen in a WWE videogame. The announce teams also contribute to the atmosphere; making comments about each storyline, and referring to various events leading up to each match.

Graphically, the Superstars have received the obligatory upgrade in almost every area; most notably in the texture of skin and musculature. No longer will the player models stretch and their arms end up looking strangely contorted; the animation and smoothness overall is quite good, and realistic. Take a look at Ken Kennedy, when he is moving throughout the ring during his entrance. You can clearly see muscles flexing as he moves; even Chris Jericho’s pecs flex as he enters the ring – cool stuff, indeed.

In the ring, the referees are noticeably more physical and animated. I laughed out loud when the ref asked me if I wanted to tap out while Jon Cena had me in a submission hold, just another subtle touch to add to the overall feeling of immersion.

The main addition to the Create-a-Wrestler mode is the ability to create finishing moves. The process is very straightforward. There are ten slots for you to choose and select one of over 500 animations. You can manually adjust the speed of each segment of the move. Once complete, you can then name your finisher, or use one of the pre-selected names to assign. Custom finishers can be assigned to both created wrestlers, as well as any WWE Superstar.

Career mode allows you to use either a created wrestler or WWE Superstar. The goal is simple: go for the gold and try to win every belt in the WWE. During your journey, you will win attribute points to distribute to your wrestler, and build them up to become the next wrestling legend.

The real draw of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is that it keeps a nice balance between being insanely fun and addictive in single player, while offering a multitude of depth in multiplayer and creation modes. Someone will always complain that this game doesn’t have this, or that. Well, we didn’t have much when Wrestlemania 2000 came out, and yet it’s still respected as the greatest wrestling game of it’s time. I hope there’s room at the top, because WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is an instant classic – by paying homage to the Aki developed titles of yesteryear, while incorporating modern technology. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is highly recommended and a must buy for any wrestling fan.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 11 – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(R) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced an updated lineup for the first quarter of 2009 today.

In addition to the previously announced STAR OCEAN(R): Second Evolution(TM) for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE(TM) for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Square Enix revealed that both the remade classic, DRAGON QUEST(R) V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride(TM), and the latest entry in the VALKYRIE PROFILE(R) series, VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume(TM), will be primed and ready for Nintendo DS(TM) owners come 2009.

The countdown begins today for the first offerings of an exciting new year!

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Developer: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP system
Genre: RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: January 6, 2009

Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP system. Now with a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen, players can experience their journey through the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Scenario & Game Design: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music Composer: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Developer: ArtePiazza
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: February 17, 2009

Never before released in North America, this entry in the Zenithia Trilogy follows a journey that transcends three generations. Travel alongside your father on his quest to see the world, grow to set forth on a journey of your own and face life-altering decisions as you continue your family’s legacy. DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride makes its way to Nintendo DS on February 17, 2009.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/zenithia/.

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE
Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 3, 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the latest entry in the futuristic STAR OCEAN series of RPGs. Science fiction and fantasy meld in this long-awaited continuation of the celebrated franchise from developer tri-Ace Inc.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume
Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: March 17, 2009

Destiny by sinner sought. Tragedy by power wrought. The origins of a cult classic are revealed in VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume, the third entry in the critically acclaimed VALKYRIE PROFILE series. Development studio tri-Ace returns to craft a gameplay experience that boasts a captivating storyline with ties to Norse mythology and a familiar yet refreshing battle system enhanced with deeper strategic elements. VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume marks the debut of the series on Nintendo DS with its arrival on March 17, 2009.

· “Mystic Silver” PSP system – The first updated PSP system (PSP-3000) available on store shelves

· Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters – In this PSP Greatest Hits title, Ratchet and Clank go back to the franchise’s roots with classic Ratchet & Clank® gameplay. While on a much needed vacation, Ratchet and Clank’s rest and relaxation time is suddenly cut short as they soon find themselves lured into a mysterious quest.

· National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets UMD® video – Join Nicolas Cage on a heart-pounding adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat in a race to find the Lost City of Gold. Grounded in history, imbued with myth and mystery, Disney’s National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets takes you on a globe-trotting quest full of adrenaline-pumping twists and turns — all leading to the final clue in a mysterious and highly guarded book containing centuries of secrets.

· echochrome™ PlayStation Network voucher* – Featuring an elegant black and white art design, echochrome is a puzzle game unlike any other. With gameplay based on optical illusions, players must utilize five simple laws of perspective to join walkways, hide dangers, and create new paths to reach the “echos,” or shadow guides. Download echochrome for PSP system from PlayStation®Store to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.

· 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo – Store your photos, music, videos, downloadable games and game saves.

The built-in microphone will allow users take advantage of games with voice features, Skype and other communication tools without requiring any additional accessories.

The video output port on the PSP-3000 will include interlace support. What this means is that gamers that couldn’t take advantage of the feature on the PSP-2000 due to it being progressive only (HD) will be able to play PSP content directly on their non-HD TVs.

The system is due to release in Piano Black, Pearl White and Mystic Silver. The new units are due for release worldwide in October 2008.