Angry Birds Space coming on March 22

The insanely popular Angry Birds is getting a sequel, called Angry Birds Space. The title alone us self-explanatory to where they are taking the famous birds in this sequel. No information or even gameplay but expect new birds to fling, zero gravity gameplay mechanics, and a few changes to the original formula that made this game popular. A really short trailer was released not showing much.

There's really no other information to give. The website is up if you want to take a look but there's nothing much there yet. I'm not expecting much change to the look and feel of the game, and if it comes out as just Angry Birds with added features, it will definitely do just as well as the first Angry Birds.

Playstation Vita coming out next week in Europe and US, Sony releases new ad campaign

The Playstation Vita is out next week in the US and Europe and it's only natural of Sony to release a new ad campaign. It's called 'The World Is In Play".

The Playstation Vita hits US and EU shelves on February 22.

Big question, will the Vita do well in the US and Europe?

[Source: Playstation EU Blog]

New on PSN - The usual added content plus the Twisted Metal multiplayer demo

The PSN Store just got updated this Wednesday with more interesting demos to try out. Twisted Metal's multiplayer demo is out now together with Syndicate's coop demo.

Twisted Metal's demo will include:

• Eight vehicles to choose from, each with their own unique special weapons
• Two multiplayer modes: Classic free-for-all Death Match, and team-based Nuke mode—a Twisted take on Capture the Flag that’s brand new to the series
• Challenge mode, where you can practice with each vehicle to hone your destructive skills

So if you're curious to what the latest Twisted Metal is going to bring when it comes out on Valentines Day, be sure to take the demo out for a spin. The demo is only 1526MB big.

Also included in this PSN update is the release of Dead Island's second DLC named Ryder White. If you played Dead Island and wanted to know how the guy on the radio became lunatic that he is, this DLC is said to cover that.

If you want to the see full list of this week's PSN Store update check out the official Playstation Blog for more details.

PSN Games

Puddle ($9.99) In this one of a kind game experience, guide puddles of fluid (a cup of water, a drop of dew, molten lava, and others) through a variety of beautifully designed environments (the human body, a garden, a foundry, and more). ESRB rated T File size 1.08 GB

PS3 Full Games

Madden NFL 12 ($29.99) Madden NFL 12 continues the rich tradition of the storied franchise by bringing fans closer to the NFL than ever before. Featuring all 32 teams, stadiums, and your favorite players in the league, Madden NFL 12 is True to the Game. ESRB rated E File size 4.97 GB

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days ($19.99) What would you not do for love? For acceptance? When would you give-up? For Kane & Lynch, there is no limit. ESRB rated M File size 8.1 GB

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men ($14.99) Kane & Lynch: Dead Men follows the violent and chaotic journey of two men – a flawed mercenary and a medicated psychopath and their brutal attitude towards right and wrong. This volatile partnership combined with innovative technologies allow for an unparalleled gaming experience. ESRB rated M File size 10 GB

Mini Ninjas ($19.99) Join Hiro, the smallest hero on the biggest adventure, as he embarks on an epic and electrifying quest to restore harmony to a world on the brink of chaos. Use your skills and mighty Ninja training to battle a magical army of evil Samurai. ESRB rated E10+ File size 6.3 GB

Game Demos (free)

Twisted Metal Multiplayer Demo Twisted Metal is here with an exclusive early access demo. Get your hands on the new online multiplayer experience in classic Free for All or the all-new Nuke mode. Download the Twisted Metal Multiplayer Demo today! ESRB rated M File size 1.49 GB

Syndicate Demo Syndicate is a re-imagination of the classic 1993 Syndicate game – a cyber punk FPS set in a dystopian world where large Syndicates rule and Business is War. In the 4-player co-op demo, team-up to take down rival Syndicate Cayman Global as you battle for market dominance and your life. Some takeovers are more hostile than others. ESRB rated M File size 620 MB

Puddle Demo Check out this demo! In this one of a kind game experience, guide puddles of fluid (a cup of water, a drop of dew, molten lava, and others) through a variety of beautifully designed environments (the human body, a garden, a foundry, and more). But to do so, you must tilt the environment, balancing the push of each fluid’s unique properties with the pull of environmental factors of gravity, friction, and obstacles. ESRB rated T File size 1.08 GB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Groundhog Day Costume (Free) A seasonal exclusive costume for SackBoy! File size: 1.04 MB

Assorted PlayStation Home Packs x 15 ($2.99 – $4.99) 15 PlayStation Home Packs that include over 300 items combined! File size: N/A

Dead Island – Ryder White ($9.99) There are always two sides to a story! Experience the events on Banoi as seen through the eyes of the villain. Are things really as they seem? File size 1.04 GB

Need For Speed: The Run – Italian Pack ($6.99) The NFSTR Italian Pack contains the following: 1995 Lamborghini Diablo SV, 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, 2009 Pagani Zonda R, 2010 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, 2005 Maserati MC12, 1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione, Italian Motor Racing Playlist, Italian Challenge Series, Italy vs. World Challenge Series, New Trophies. File size 3.16 MB

The King Of Fighters XIII Unlock Icons ($2.99) The entire Customize Icon set for personalizing your online match profile is available to purchase.　*These icons can also be unlocked by playing the game. With the triumphant return of fan favorite characters like Mai, K’, and Vice, extensive refinement of the core fighting engine based on community feedback, and vastly improved network functionality, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII represents the HD entry in the series that fans have been waiting for. File size 6 KB

Soulcalibur V Customization Equipment 1 ($1.99) File size 134 KB

Soulcalibur V Downloadable Music 1 -10 ($0.99 each) File size 136 KB each

Soulcalibur V Downloadable Music Pack 1 ($2.99) This pack contains the stage music tracks: BRAVELY FOLK SONG, HORANGI ARIRANG, SOUL AND SWORD, THE WIND AND CLOUDS, and WORLD ATLAS COLLAPSED from SOUL BLADE. This content should only be purchased by those who have not already purchased one or more of the background music tracks in this pack. File size 138 KB

Soulcalibur V Downloadable Music Pack 2 ($2.99) This pack contains the background music tracks: CHASING DOWNSTREAM, DUELISTS, THE CURSED IMAGE, UNBLESSED SOUL, and WING OF FAITH from SOULCALIBUR. This content should only be purchased by those who have not already purchased one or more of the background music tracks in this pack. File size 138 KB

Scene It? Movie Night Sci-Fi Movies DLC ($9.99) Scene It? Movie Night: Sci-Fi Movies takes you across the universe in the ultimate science fiction trivia challenge, packed with film clips and captivating questions from blockbusters to cult classics. Sci-Fi Movies features fourteen different puzzle types to keep the excitement going, and a rapid-fire “Quick Pitch” battle that determines the victor. Play solo, or in lively 2-4 player matches. File size 1.06 GB

Rock Band 3

• “Fat Lip” – Sum 41 ($1.99)
• “Head Over Heels” – Tears for Fears ($1.99)
• “Still Waiting” – Sum 41 ($1.99)

File size: 19 – 32 MB (singles)Rock Band Network v2.0

• “Africa” – Quartered ($1.99)
• “Against the Wall” – Ill Niño ($1.99)
• “El Monstro” – Dance for the Dying ($0.99)
• “Hysteria” – Aiden ($1.99)
• “Turn Around” – Bumblefoot ($0.99)

File size: 21 – 31 MB (singles)

Updates Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Avatars

The Darkness II Avatars (x15) ($0.49 each)

The Darkness II Avatar Bundles (x3) ($1.49 each)

The King Of Fighters XIII Avatars (x9) ($0.49 each)

Atelier Totori Avatars (x9) ($0.49 each)

Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken Avatar Bundle 1 ($2.99)

Assassin’s Creed Universe Avatars (x5) ($0.49 each)

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Avatars (x9) ($0.49 each)

Jak and Daxter Collection Dark Jak Avatar 2 ($0.49)

Jak and Daxter Collection Jak and Daxter Avatar 3 ($0.49)

PixelJunk Shooter (x6) ($0.49 each)

Jak and Daxter Collection Jak and Daxter Avatar 2 ($0.49)

Jak and Daxter Collection Dark Jak Avatar ($0.49)

Jak and Daxter Collection Jak and Daxter Avatar ($0.49)

Carnival Island Avatar Bundle 1 ($1.49)

PlayStation B-boy Avatar (x3) ($0.49 each)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 1/31 Edition

Reality Fighters Features Trailer

Aliens: Colonial Marines Contact Trailer

The House Of The Dead III Announcement Trailer

UFC Undisputed 3 – Roster Video

PS3 Themes

The Darkness Ii: Official Theme (free)

Atlanta Hawks 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Charlotte Bobcats 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Cleveland Cavaliers 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Denver Nuggets 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Detroit Pistons 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Golden State Warriors 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Houston Rockets 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Indiana Pacers 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

LA Clippers 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Memphis Grizzlies 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Milwaukee Bucks 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Minnesota Timberwolves 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

New Jersey Nets 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

New Orleans Hornets 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Philadelphia 76ers 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Portland Trailblazers 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Sacramento Kings 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Toronto Raptors 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Utah Jazz 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Washington Wizards 2012 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Digital Blasphemy: Hidden Forces ($2.99)

Dynamic Temple Temptress ($2.99)

Wendy Premium Theme 5 ($2.99)

Vampire 5 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Dragon 3 Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Technicolour Yawn by Tom Sewell Static Theme ($1.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Naruto Shippuden: UN Impact ($39.99) NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Impact revolutionizes the Ultimate Ninja series with the all new ‘Rush Battle System’. With this new battle system, players are challenged to trust their instincts as they face off against hordes of enemies in 1 Vs. 100 battles! Players will also be treated to a variety of giant boss battles to test their tactical prowess. Also experience the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN storyline from Naruto and Sasuke’s point of view. ESRB rated T File size 899 MB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 1/31 Edition

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Redbox PSP Theme ($1.99)

Death Dealer PSP theme ($1.99)

Dragon 4 PSP theme ($1.99)

Dragon 5 PSP theme ($1.99)

Soulcalibur V DLC Announced

Soulcalibur V isn't even out yet but Namco Bandai wants to give you the heads up on the DLC packs for the game.  It's nothing like an extra character or anything, just more items to customize your characters with like bikinis, wings, kimono, the usual DLC we love/hate.

These DLC packs will also include original music from past Soulcalibur games, which sounds like a good addition since it's priced $1.99 or 160 MS points each pack. There's three packs mentioned and one of them will be accessible on launch day.

Here's each pack in detail:

Pack 1: Launch Day

• Nine exotic customization items including bikinis, wings and face paints
• Original music from Soul Blade and Soulcalibur (tracks also available individually for $.99 or 80 MS points)

Pack 2: Valentine’s Day February 14th

• Nine fearsome customization items including breast plate, kimono and animal heads
• Original music from Soulcalibur II and III  (tracks also available individually for $.99 or 80 MS points)

Pack 3: February 28th

• Nine exclusive customization items including mask, face paint, camouflage and skull
• Original music from Soulcalibur IV and Soulcalibur : Broken Destiny (tracks also available individually for $.99 or 80 MS points)

Not fond if these kinds of DLC but if your into the customization part of the game, you might get a kick out of this. Soulcalibur V is out in January 31 on North America and February 3 in Europe on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

[Source: GameInformer]

Demo Impressions: Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Asura's Wrath

If you haven't  notice, a playable demo for Asura's Wrath and Final Fantasy 13-2 just came out a few days ago on the PS3 and Xbox 360.I gave the two demo's a try on my Xbox 360 to see if any of the two games play any good. One was pretty good and was at least an hour long while the other just left me confused.

Asura's Wrath

Let's start with Asura's Wrath. I'll be honest, I was not pleased one bit. The demo gave me the impression that the game is just one big QTE(Quick Time Events) sequence. The demo provided two fights - One was with this giant fatass and the other involved a one-on-one fight with Asura and his mentor on the moon.

The fight with the fatass was a huge QTE sequence than a boss itself (Not sure if it was a boss really).   QTE is short for Quick Time Events; this feature is seen in games like God of War or Heavy Rain where the player is tasked to press certain inputs during a scene(for example, pressing the X button rapidly when the character is lifting a boulder).  The fight included some lock-on projectile firing but aside from that, it's just a huge fight scene where you have to press a certain input when the game tells you to.

The next fight with the mentor in the moon gave me a better sense on how the gameplay feels like. Those QTE again are present during the start but then pick up when the opponent brings out his sword. It then felt like games such as Devil May Cry or Bayonetta but minus the flashy moves. You have one button to do light attacks and another button for heavy. No combinations can be done from what I can tell and mashing the hell out of the light and heavy attack was all I need when  I saw an opening. There's a red bar on top of the screen that when filled can do a burst move which can be triggered by the RT or R2. This pretty much ended the fight.  A wild scene happens and of course it being a demo, they end the demo before the fight was about to end.

The first fight in Asura's Wrath felt like Capcom showing the games visuals more than gameplay. The second fight was more in gameplay but still not that much. It was more on those QTE and those over the top battles that felt like Dragon Ball Z all over again.  This is of course a demo and maybe the game comes out better in the full game, but demo's are there to see if the game is for you or not. For me, it didn't hit the right spot. It really feels like its going to be a game that you would rather spend watching than actually playing.

Final Fantasy XIII-2

To be honest, I'm not looking forward to this game at all. but the demo showed that the game improved to some extent. Wasn't impressed with Final Fantasy XIII overall but I will say this - XIII has the best gameplay and graphics in any Final Fantasy out now, everything else  though just let the game down. I won't go on how I was disappointed with the first game don't worry, on to the demo.

The demo was pretty lengthy. When the demo ended, my in-game time was at 1 hour and 11 minutes. The demo starts with the fight shown over and over during E3 and other events when Square shows off the game. A fight between an invisible giant with an arm as the target. A tutorial pops up asking if I want an explanation on Paradigm Shifts(gameplay), since I played the first game I said no and started the battle. What was cool is that the gameplay felt exactly the same which is perfect. One of the things they got right in XIII was the gameplay and I was pleased to see that everything felt intact. I easily picked up the game quick and before I knew it, the boss was down. Then what a coincidence, QTE happens to finish the boss. A new feature that I wished they did not add. The inputs required in the QTE were very simple compared to Asura's Wrath. When the inputs were done correctly the boss was down and  the demo fast forward in the story and placed me in a part of the game where I can explore.

Changes seen in the demo

The second part of the demo is really where I spent my one hour on. Serah and Noel was on an excavation site and is tasked to deal with Atlus. The starting area of the excavation site had a lot of NPC to converse with, something that was hardly present in the first game.  As I was moving around exploring the area, I then head to the menu screen to see the changes done with progressing your character. Crystarium is still present but felt simplified. Instead of picking where to go through the Crystarium in the first game, XIII-2 makes you chose which class to level up. Each time you spend CP(experience Points) on a certain class, that class levels up and your stats increase. At the same time, when you reach a certain level in that class, you learn skills like froststrike for example. I wished they sticked with the old Crystarium, but SquareEnix has this tendency of moving forward and always changing things up.

I left the safe area of the site and entered the area infected with monsters. In the first game, monsters are seen on the screen as you explore, now its sorta like a random encounter. As you walk around, monsters appear near you all of a sudden and to engage them, they either attack you or you attack them with X. If you attack them quick enough, you'll get a pre-emptive strike which makes you attack first really.  After the first random battle, I was introduced with the weird feature of having monsters as your third character. Yes, the third slot in your party of three will be infested with monsters. Think Pokemon, but Final Fantasy style.

It's like a third character with the ability to shapeshift really. Compared to Noel and Serah that has multiple classes to shift through, each monster only has one. You can bring three monsters into a fight, and you can change between the three monsters just like how you switch classes for the other two characters. It's pretty interesting since each monster has different stats and abilities. At the same time, you level them up individually and can only level if using specific items which are dropped after a fight. Only way to earn new monsters is to fight them and hope to earn them after the end of the fight. No Pokeball sorry. When a monster is defeated and turns into a crystal, you got yourself a new monster to work with. While the concept is interesting, I still would prefer just a third character in the game.

As I explored the ruins a bit more and after a few fights and tampering with the progression of my character/monsters, I noticed I was enjoying myself. There were a couple of side quests open to me which is a huge deal for me. The biggest problem with the first game is that there was nothing during the first half of the game where I can derail myself out of the main quest for a while and just do something else. It was  ride that you could not stop going forward. The fact that they showed sidequests in the demo showed me that they understand that it was missing in the first game.

Exploring a bit more, I find myself fighting Atlus once again. After defeating him, the demo ended with a trailer of the game(Hinting DLC for the game). I actually liked the demo given. Did it get me interested in the game? A bit. One thing for sure though, the game overall feels better compared to the first.  Still not sure if I want to play the continuation of Final Fantasy XIII's story which to me got even more confusing. Sorry, the first game just ruined it for me.

If you're worried about the changes in gameplay, don't be. Everything feels perfect in that department. While the Crystarium is different and Square giving us monsters as the third playable character, it was still fun in the end.  Fans of Final Fantasy XIII will definitely be pleased with the sequel when it hits at the end of Jan.

This is my impressions of when I played the demo of these two games. Give these demo's a try for yourself and give me your thoughts and if you think otherwise. Migoy played the Asura's Wrath demo on our live feed so check that out when you can in our video archives.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be out on January 31, 2012 for Playstation  3 and Xbox 360.

Asura's Wrath is coming on February 21, 2012 for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.