House of the Dead 3 and HotD 4 headed to PSN

SEGA today announced that acclaimed on-rail shooter series House of the Dead will be releasing digitally on the PlayStation 3 in the form of House of the Dead 3 and House of the Dead 4. Not only that, but both titles will also sport Move controls and Trophies.

Both games will also feature HD visuals, though we are told that this really means the games have been given a crisper look, and not an entire overhaul. HotD3 will release on February 7 and HotD4 will release sometime this "Spring."

All Zombies Must Die! on PSN, XBLA December 27

Alert! Zombies are coming to infect your Christmas festivities! Well, they're gonna be a few days late, but nonetheless, DoubleSix Games' All Zombies Must Die! will be available on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade next Tuesday, December 27.

All Zombies Must Die! is a twin-stick shooter which contains four-player co-operative play and RPG elements, and has you playing as one of four main characters: Jack, Rachel, Brian, and Luxo, the alien. AZMD is said to show the crowded genre in a "whole new light" by featuring insane quests, the ability to craft weaponry, and "fourth-wall-breaking script writing."

Oddly, the official post on the PlayStation Blog neglected to state a price, so we'll update this post once we learn that detail. Still, AZMD looks and sounds interesting, so I'll be keeping my eye on this one.

Europe, Australia getting white PlayStation 3 in November

Sony is releasing a white PlayStation 3 this November in Europe and Australia for £249.97/$448.00 respectively, in a package containing a white 320GB PlayStation 3 and two white Dualshock controllers. It will sell in GameStop outlets across the UK, Germany, and possibly other areas, as well as EB Games outlets in Australia starting November 1, with pre-orders currently available.

[via Engadget]

[UPDATE] Crysis heading to the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network this October

2007's smash PC hit, Crysis, will be releasing on the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network this fall, as revealed exclusively on GameTrailers TV last night.

The debut trailer (here) features all in-game footage from the Xbox 360 version (as well as praising quotes), and the game itself is said to boast "all new lighting, all new effects, and all new Nanosuit controles."

Only a release date of October was given, so we'll just have to wait a little while for pricing.

[UPDATE] EA announced Crysis will be priced at $19.99/1600 MS Points.

Resistance 3's beta cap raised to 30, and some new equipment added

Insomniac Games' beta for Resistance 3 has been going through a rough time, with constant updates dropping and nuisances such as server lag severely plaguing the game's playability. There is some good news, though, with the reveal of the beta's leveling cap being raised to 30--originally capped at 20--along with the addition of a new weapon and two new abilities. The level cap was "immediate," so you should notice it the next time you log-in.

The tweet didn't specify what equipment was added, so we'll just have to play and see.

Brink's pre-order bonuses now available as DLC, as usual

It was just about that time, wasn't it? You know, where a game's pre-order bonuses become available for all to purchase as downloadable content? I guess we can't be too hard on Brink, though, given its hefty, free batch of DLC released a few weeks ago. But either way, now you can queue up two pre-order bonus combo packs for 160 MS Points/$1.99 each.

Fallout/Spec Ops pack

• Unique Fallout Vault 101 body tattoo
• Exclusive Vault 101 (Security) and Fallout New Vegas Vault Boy (Resistance) customized skins for CARB-9 SMG
• Exclusive Vault 101 (Security) and Fallout New Vegas Vault Boy (Resistance) t-shirts
• Exclusive Vault-Tec beanie cap (Security) and Fallout bandana (Resistance)
• Exclusive weapon: The "Hockler" machine-pistol
• Exclusive "GreenEye" Combat Optical Scope
• Exclusive Security "Sloani" Combat mask
• Unique Dogtag body tattoo

Doom/Psycho Pack

• Unique "Hellspawn" body tattoo
• Exclusive UAC (Security) and Cacodemon (Resistance) customized skins for the Bulpdaun SMG
• Exclusive UAC Marine Body Armor (Security) and Lost Soul Screaming Skull (Resistance) t-shirts
• Exclusive UAC beanie cap (Security) and Doom bandana (Resistance)
• Exclusive weapon: the "Caesar" revolver
• New attachments: The Resistance's improved Soda Can Silencer and Security's ArkTechnical Silencer
• Exclusive Resistance "The Grin" combat mask
• Unique: "Tortured Soul" body tattoo

Walmart also offering Resistance 3 with PlayStation 3D Display, Motorstorm Apocalypse bundle

Following in the footsteps of Amazon and GameStop, Walmart is offering Resistance 3 as a pre-order bonus for Sony's new PlayStation 3D Display--which already comes bundled with a copy of Motorstorm: Apocalypse. You may remember the display was originally revealed to have Resistance 3 packed-in, but then the ol' switcheroo came not too long ago.

Walmart also has the PlayStation 3D Display priced at $449.96, a savings of $50.03 for those who like to save a little cash.

Resistance series could be headed by another developer, says Insomniac

Speaking to the folks at GamingUnion, Insomniac Games' Creative Director Marcus Smith commented on the future of the Resistance franchise, stating the team isn't "currently slated to do Resistance 4," and that the series could  be "going to another developer."

This isn't out of the ordinary for the long-time PlayStation developer, as they've parted ways with the Spyro series after its third installment, and with the team already working on their recently announced multi-platform shooter Overstrike, the situation is understandable.

Smith also referenced Resistance's Vita title headed by Nihilistic, and feels Sony wouldn't hand the franchise over to somebody who is going to "screw it up."

Amazon: Buy a qualifying PS3, get Resistance 2 for free

For a limited time, purchasing a qualifying PlayStation 3 console on Amazon will also nab you a free copy of Resistance 2. All you have to do is pick any one system from this page, check off Resistance 2, and, bingo! You have yourself a brand new console with a free game, just like the good ol' days where that was the norm. One of the eligible consoles is even the 320GB inFAMOUS 2 bundle, effectively scoring you two awesome games at once.

[@InsomniacGames]

Surprise! House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut hit by the Ban-hammer

In a surprise to nobody, the Australian Classification Board has refused to rate SEGA's soon-to-release on-rails shooter House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut, effectively banning it from release. Presumably, the game was a bit too "extended," and some things should've stayed on the cutting room floor.

SEGA isn't going down without a fight, though, as SEGA Australia's Managing Director Darren Macbeth aims to appeal the ACB's decision without making a single change to Overkill.

"There are far worse titles currently available in the marketplace," argues Macbeth, "which involve more than shooting down mutants in humorous circumstances. We will do everything we can to prove House of the Dead: Overkill is worthy of an MA15+ rating in Australia."

[Gamepron]

Black Ops matchmaking update deploying

A new playlist update for Call of Duty: Black Ops has been deployed (or, deploying, depending on your region) which adds  the "Express" matchmaking option, a mode based upon faster gametypes coupled with a thirty-second lobby timer--which ensures, you know, quickness! "Express" also removes to option to use the "Ghost" and "Second Chance" perks--a welcome removal, no doubt.

The DLC playlist has been updated as well, removing "Annihilation" from the mix while adding the option to play either Moshpit or Hardcore (Capture the Flag and Headquarters) spanning across the game's list of downloadable maps.

The update is said to already be available on Xbox Live, with the PlayStation 3 to follow soon. We wouldn't know, because we traded our copy in months ago.

[We the Gamerz via TheSixthAxis]

Battlefield 3's 'Team Deathmatch' supports 24 players across all platforms

This may come as a shock to a lot of you, but "Team Deathmatch" in Battlefield 3 will only support up to 24 players, no matter what platform you're playing it on. Yes, that even means you, expensive PC rig. Don't get yourself into too much of a rut, though, because the maps are more condensed than their Rush/Conquest brethren, even ditching vehicular warfare and only focusing on tight gunplay.

Thinking back, this may not even matter to a lot of you, including me, as we'll more often than not be capturing flags and destroying crates.

[Battlefield3Blog]

Need a headset at the right price? Turtle Beach's X11 can do the trick

Communication is key with online shooters, and with the amount of shooters coming out this fall--Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3, and Resistance 3 just to name a few--you'll definitely need a mic. If you're in the market for a headset and can't afford to spend much cash, the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 headset for the Xbox 360 is right up your alley. This USB powered headset also works for the PC and Mac, and connects through audio in/out cables.

Whether you prefer to connect the X11 to your television, Xbox 360 controller, or even surround sound set up, that functionality is available, as you'll get splitters and a controller connector inside the box.

Target is selling the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 headphones for $47.99 this week, a savings of $12. If you prefer electronics retailer Best Buy, you can pick up the X11s there as well for $49.99.

As always, Amazon beats both outlets, selling the X11 for $45.99.

Turtle Beach is a well-known brand, and with their other products costing upwards of $100, you really can't go wrong with the Ear Force X11. Heck, I didn't.

[Similarly, the PlayStation 3 has the Ear Force P11 headset for $59.95 on Turtle Beach's website, and although I can't speak for this model, its description is similar to that of the X11.]

Oddly, Battlefield 3 features server browser only on consoles

Yes, that is quite odd, isn't it? A feature that is available in practically most, if not all PC games will no longer be available on the platform's biggest title to come out this year. 

It has been revealed that console versions of Battlefield 3 will feature in-game server browsers, while the PC version will not, instead leaving players needing to exit Battlefield 3 altogether and locate another server though Battlelog.

Quite ironic to say the least, and definitely not the right way to attract an audience for the PC's version of Battlefield 3.

[BF3blog]

Your Payday will come this October

Of the many downloadable titles coming out this year, the PlayStation Network exclusive Payday: The Heist is among the few that you should have your eye on. This co-op centric first-person shooter has you pulling a Ben Affleck robbing every bank in sight, and working as a team as you take on "incredibly intense situations."

Payday has been dated today, and you can get your lump-sum of cash on October 4 for $19.99.

Abandon couch, there's no split-screen co-op in Battlefield 3

You may as well return that carton of ramen noodles and huge keg of Red Bull, because DICE has confirmed there will be no split-screen co-operative modes in Battlefield 3. The news broke out from DICE's VP and GM Karl Magnus Troedsson, who also detailed the co-op feature even further, stating the maps were built separately from the main campaign, with an emphasis to "build more specific co-op missions."

"Naturally, you will recognize some of the elements," said Troedsson, "but they are built specifically for the co-op with all the scripting, events and everything."

Also revealed was the fact that Battlefield 3 will ship with six co-operative maps instead of the rumored ten, with each taking around 20-45 minutes to complete.

[GamingLives via GamerZines]

GoldenEye 007: Reloaded's MI6 Ops mode trailer

GoldenEye 007: Reloaded will be releasing later this year on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. It will run at 60-frames per second, feature four-player split-screen and 16-player online multiplayer, and will also ship with a brand new mission mode called, "MI6 Ops."

 "MI6 Ops" features missions that differ from Reloaded's main campaign, and has players completing specific objectives through four different scenarios.

• Elimination- Neutralize all enemies before time runs out
• Stealth- Remove targets without being seen
• Defense- Protect a computer terminal against waves of enemies
• Assault- Two words: Just charge.

Developer Eurocom has also confirmed Sharpshooter support on the PlayStation 3.

So, how does the game appear to be shaping up?  Take a look at a brand new trailer released just yesterday for GoldenEye 007: Reloaded below!

Impressions: Bodycount has no shortage of explosions, red barrels, or chaos

After all the screenshots, developer diaries, and trailers we've seen for Bodycount throughout the years--or, year...whichever--the game is finally releasing at the end of the month, with a demo newly released on the Xbox 360. After treading and shredding through its short presentation of what's to come, I must admit that I am both interested yet, a tad perplexed.

As you may or may not know, the story in Bodycount is...there. There's you, there's bad guys, there's more bad guys, and then there's a head honcho bad guy, all of whom are aiming to kill you before you kill them. That's roughly the grand scope of the story, with the mission in the demo sending you to Africa to take out bad guys led by a bigger bad guy holding a mini-gun. It's more or less "Summer Blockbuster Film 101," but in some cases, like here, it works.

Sling some lead in the Bodycount demo now available

Codemasters' pseudo-sequel to the cult-classic shooter Black--Bodycount--is now available to demo on the Xbox 360. As of now, the demo is a Gold member exclusive, and will have players square off against enemies in Africa in the early missions of the campaign. Weapons on hand include a G36, Super 90 shotgun, proximity mines and grenades.

No word on a PlayStation 3 demo yet, other than Codemasters saying it "will follow" the 360's demo.

The studio also released another developer diary, and you can peep that after the break.

Co-op for Battlefield 3 confirmed; watch a duo creep around in a scenario

DICE confirmed at Gamescom earlier today that Battlefield 3 will include co-operative gameplay, and even presented a live demo showcasing how it works. From the screenshot above [and video after the break], it seems like you'll always be able to see what your partner is doing, kind of like Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter's Crosscom. Well, either that, or the second player gets severely duped with the screen ratio.

I quite enjoyed what was shown in the demo, and to me it had a Rainbow Six feel to it, with the duo creeping inside closed-quarters co-ordinating who was going to eliminate which tango. "I'll take the left side, you stay on the right." Awesome. Pure. Awesome.