Ok here’s the thing: I don’t care about the huge military-themed, cross-platform shooter coming to the PS3 this month. It’ll get its spot of ink below, don’t worry, but I’m highlighting the three exclusive franchises returning to PlayStation platforms this month first.

The God of War Collection lands on November 17th as a new experiment: a reissue of two PlayStation 2 games in high definition on a single Blu-ray PlayStation 3 disc. The remastering of the top-selling God Of War and God Of War II includes the addition of Trophy support. Sales of this collection will be watched closely – it takes quite a bit of work to remaster games like this, but if it sells well we might see other Sony PS2 franchises reappear like this on the PS3. I’m a huge fan of the franchise, partly because of the brutally satisfying gameplay, partly because of the mostly-consistent mythological backdrop, so this is a must-buy for me. Of note: this is a $40 game.

The PlayStation Portable gets the PS3’s most recognizable mascot this month with its very own version of LittleBigPlanet. While you’ll be able to make and share your own levels in LBP on the PSP, you’re going to be playing them alone since multiplayer didn’t make it into this game. I’m being cheeky by mentioning this would be a $40 game as well since PSP games tend to debut at this price.

Also hitting the PlayStation 3 this month is Buzz! Quiz World on the 10th. I’ve become a fan of the original Buzz! Quiz TV on the PlayStation 3 and it’s just about the only game my non-gamer wife will play with me on the system. Of note: this also is a $40 game if you already have the buzzers from the first game, or $60 if you need the buzzers too. And in case you’re wondering the buzzers aren’t Bluetooth devices. They need a USB dongle to work.

What else is hitting the systems this month?

PlayStation 3

EA and Bioware are bringing a new fantasy franchise to market this month with Dragon Age: Origins on the 3rd, something some have theorized might have been a D&D game that never quite got the license. As a fully single player adventure it’s already got DLC lined up for it. As someone who’s still thoroughly enjoying Sacred 2 on the PS3 I might be interested in this game at one point, but not quite yet.

LEGO Rock Band also comes in on the 3rd, taking what should have been a filter in Rock Band 2 – the option for kid-friendly songs only – and putting it in a whole different game. Still, LEGOs are LEGOs and it could sell a few copies this holiday season. It’ll also add a whole different submenu to the already large set of PlayStation Store weekly update music game DLC menus.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed — Ultimate Sith Edition comes in on November 4th, and having spent some time with the original I’m not interested in this one. The controls and camera just felt too complex in this one, and since this only adds some additional missions as far as I can tell it’s not something I’ll be going after anytime soon.

That elephant in the room I mentioned is, of course, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The game’s going to have midnight retailer openings and throngs of fans waiting to ventilate each other online, and as I said I couldn’t care less. I’m all in favor of stimulating the retail and game development economy, though, don’t get me wrong, so go ahead and buy it with abandon!

I found the story and feel of the original Assassin’s Creed game to be slow and unwieldy, and it gave me a very strong Half-Life 2 vibe which made me think I knew where the story was going very early on. I quickly lost interest, so its sequel coming on the 17th doesn’t have my interest.

A former Xbox 360 exclusive, the Scene It franchise also comes to the PS3 this month (making me wonder if it did ok over there) with Scene It? Bright Lights! Big Screen!. More party games are always welcome on the console but I haven’t been following this one.

PlayStation Portable

The PSP gets some new blood this month with its first proper Jak and Daxter game, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier. High Impact Games’ take on the franchise Naughty Dog previously took 3 runs at on the PlayStation 2 already has a demo on the PlayStation Store, so feel free to scoop that up and give it a look. It lands on November 3rd on both the PSP and the PS2, of all things.

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines takes the first game’s storyline in a new direction, apparently, and does it portably. We’ll have to see how it fares alongside its sequel bigger brother on the 17th.

Lastly, about a month later than its PS3 and Xbox 360 older brother, the PSP version of Tekken 6 comes in on November 24th. Tekken’s got a very good track record with Dark Resurrection on the PSP, so this could be a really stellar fighter.

That covers it for the big deals hitting PlayStation platforms this month. Did I miss anything you’re after? Let me know what and why in the comments below.

November 4, 2008: Resistance 2 brought Nathan Hale further into the grips of his chimeran mutation and increased the first-game’s large-scale multiplayer while breaking it down into goal-oriented teams. It also sported a three-class co-op component that is still popular today. Metascore: 87.

February 27, 2009: Killzone 2 opened eyes wide and garnered a very strong following from the hardcore shooter crowd. Most critics said it didn’t do anything particularly new, but what it did it did exceptionally well. Metacritic Metascore: 91.

May 26, 2009: inFAMOUS brought a brand new super-powered comic-book-styled universe to life and let gamers take the goody-protect-the-innocents or fry-em-all-let-God-sort-em-out route routes for two different story arcs and some mission variety all in a very wide open city that doubled as Cole’s giant, climbable, stunt-friendly jungle gym. Metascore: 85.

October 6, 2009: Demon’s Souls is From Software’s crushingly hard game that Sony declined to publish, leaving Atlus to pick up the pieces and, with really high praise from critics and probably an equal number of tears of frustration from reviewers, reap the rewards. Just this week they’ve had to put out new copies of the game to meet demand. Metascore: 89.

October 13, 2009: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves brought back Nathan Drake and friends with new enemies in tow on a game that takes the great characters, chemistry, and realistic animation and from the first Uncharted game and kicks it up a few notches. Throw in a surprisingly strong set of multiplayer offerings, including some 3-person co-op and it’s a gem the critics adore. Metascore: 97.

Now I’m sure I’ve missed something along the way, so please correct me in the comments below, but next week we get Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time to sew things up for the year. That doesn’t cover the PlayStation Network offerings we’ve seen, either. While it’s true that not every game is for everyone, and not everyone will enjoy every genre, gamers just joining the world of the PlayStation 3 have quite a few meaty games to at least try out demos for, if not buy outright.

What PS3 game haven’t you played yet that you’ve been meaning to get?

I’m kidding, of course. Alan Moore doesn’t own a computer.

But if comicdom’s most famous anti-establishment recluse did own a computer, he would surely be ticked off to see Media Molecule’s announcement that a Watchmen costume/sticker pack is coming to LittleBigPlanet this Thursday.

The pack includes four movie-inspired costumes: Silk Spectre, Rorschach, Nite Owl and Ozymandius. Plus a bunch of Watchmen stickers. The very brief movie above shows them all. MM doesn’t mention a price, but I would guess $6 for the pack, or $2 for individual costumes. Seems a bit late to ride the Watchmen hype train, but whatever.

Please note that I predicted this costume set back in February. Although I wanted Doc Manhattan over the smartest man on the cinder.

As soon as they get around to the Marvel hero costumes previewed last summer, we can finally construct the official Rorschach vs Wolverine Growly Voice Showdown level we’ve all been dreaming of.

Just head to the Sony Wonder website, then go to the partners page and click a button or two to generate a PSN download code. And although Sony Wonder is sort of a soulless, kid-focused Here’s What’s Awesome About Our Family Of Brands And Products corporate site, you don’t have to register or fill out any survey forms to get the code! The Sony Wonder site also has a Free Realms deal: register your account and get a free starter pack. (One month membership, 250 Station Cash and a Tiny Tincture potion. New accounts only.)

The free LBP pack in question is the Norse Mythology Pack, which goes for $3 on the PS Store. You get two full costumes and ten stickers. This is actually one of the few DLC packs I have not already purchased, so I am super-chuffed right now.

Incidentally, the PS Blog entry also says that the Water Beta invite emails are going out next week, and it strongly hints that Uncharted is coming to LittleBigPlanet…

The word is official: Sony’s new motion controller will be in your hand(s) next Spring. The official press release is after the jump; but the hardware specifics reveal not much that we didn’t already know. Yes, it still has a glowing sphere at the top (which will change colors!) Yes, the PlayStation Eye is required. Yes, it will have rumble. And there’s a lot of techno-wankery about how accurate and precise it is.

More interesting is the first list of games that will support the new controller. Among the names you’ll recognize are EyePet, Flower and Pain. These games will all receive motion controller features via a patch. I would expect it would be a FREE patch. Sony’s TGS presentation revealed that Resident Evil 5: Director’s Cut (link via Joystiq) will use it, and even LittleBigPlanet (link via Kotaku) could become playable with the new gadget. As far as brand new games go, how’s a new Ape Escape and Echochrome 2 sound?

Given my personal disillusionment with motion controls, I’m still not entirely enthused. But it is nice to see some name games popping up, and mouselike controls for level creation in LBP could be pretty cool.

Motion Controller* for PlayStation(R)3 to Become Available in Spring 2010

Motion Controller (Unofficial Name) Equipped with High-Precision Motion Sensors, Combined With PlayStation(R)Eye Camera, Delivers Whole New Entertainment Experience on PlayStation(R)3

TOKYO, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it will release a new Motion Controller (unofficial name) for PlayStation 3 (PS3 ) computer entertainment system in Spring 2010. The new controller, equipped with high-precision, highly accurate motion sensors, can deliver a whole new entertainment experience on PS3 when combined together with the PlayStation Eye camera(*1). Capable of recognizing and tracking a user’s face and voice as well as body motion, PlayStation Eye can also output the player’s image onto the TV screen. SCE will vigorously promote the expansion of this new experience only possible on the PS3 platform.

The newly announced Motion Controller is equipped with two motion sensors, three axes gyroscope and three axes accelerometer that can detect the controller’s angle and movement held in the user’s hand. Together with the PlayStation Eye camera for PS3 which can accurately track the absolute position of the controller, the controller can detect the natural and intuitive movement of the hand and reflect the precise movement on to the game. The sphere placed on the top of the controller is not only used to track the absolute position but can also give visual feedback to users by changing the colors or the illuminating patterns of the sphere. Furthermore, the new controller is also equipped with a rumble feature, familiar to the PlayStation DUALSHOCK series controller, delivering an immersive gaming experience to users.

Further expanding the new experience on PS3, SCE Worldwide Studios will deliver many exciting software titles for the Motion Controller in 2010(*2). SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the software title line-up for the new Motion Controller and vigorously promote the PS3 platform.

* Motion Controller is a tentative name.

*1 Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy Motion Controller on PS3.

*2 Please see below for software titles to be released in 2010.

Product Outline
Motion Controller (Tentative)

Product name Motion Controller (tentative)

Release date Spring 2010

Recommended Retail Price To be decided.

Key Features — Three axes gyroscope, three axes accelerometer
— Bluetooth(R) 2.0
— Lithium-Ion rechargeable internal battery

Software Titles for Motion Controller from SCE Worldwide Studios(*1)

(2010 release, includes both Motion Controller dedicated and compatible titles)

Title name
———-
Ape Escape (Working Title)
Echochrome 2 (Working Title)
Eccentric Slider (Working Title)
Sing and Draw (Working Title)
Champions of Time (Working Title)
Motion Party (Working Title)
The Shoot (Working Title)
Tower (Working Title)
PAIN(*2)
Flower(*2)
Hustle Kings(*2)
High Velocity Bowling(*2)
EyePet(*2)

*1 Titles to be released will depend by countries or regions.

*2 Motion control function will be added by network update, etc.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation 3 (PS3 ) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is under license.

PlayStation and PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Corporate Communications,
03-6438-8686

Last October, Sony launched a new title in hopes of birthing a franchise and mascot: LittleBIGPlanet. While the title has clearly garnered the praise it deserves, Sony and Media Molecule have also managed to create a platform akin to Mario and Sonic, and even Crash Bandicoot, that has dropped anchor at the Koss household and won’t be leaving port any time soon.

For the uninitiated, the LittleBIGPlanet world is built from cardboard, sponges, wood, clouds, colors, and imagination. So straight out of the gate, the basic fundamentals are what I’ve been trying to promote in my kids: creativity, imagination, engineering, and fun. The cutesy cartoon world’s interaction has lent itself to numerous comedic distractions. From slapping each other around, to hanging on each other during jumps, or just performing silly dances, we end up spending a chunk of time just playing around instead of advancing the level. The soundtrack contains a diverse collection of songs by lesser known artists that are now readily recognizable by the kids just like the themes from Zelda and Mario. Whenever one of the songs is played by my iPod, there’s always an accompanying shout of “That’s from LittleBIGPlanet!” Which is great since I’d rather not be inundated with a concoction with whatever the Big Label Music machine has spewed forth lately.

The gameplay is the only thing that holds up this title for us. In the beginning of the game, my daughter could control her SackGirl with little effort and make most jumps, grabs, etc. Once holding onto objects, and having to perform timed movements came into play frustration took over. Yes, all of the reviews that dinged the game for having some slightly awkward controls were right and magnified ten-fold upon those with lesser hand-eye coordination.

The one area of the game that I would like to spend more time with is the creation part. After the beta, I haven’t gone back through the tutorials to unlock all of the tools, since its an overly tedious process having done it once before. I’ve also been worried that initial level creation may prove to be too slow and therefore boring to them while getting my bearings straight with the tools. I know my wife was bored out of her mind when I played around with it during the beta. I’m going to try it soon, so I may report back after that experience.

Where the game glistens like a rainbow after a storm is in the almost infinite replay-ability locked inside an endless deluge of user-created content. After finishing the story, we can now spend countless hours jumping around through levels ranging from odd to funny. With some levels closely resembling other games that my kids have enjoyed, it’s exciting for them to see the two game worlds collide.

If you’re still sitting on the fence, jump on down, pick up the Game of the Year edition and rustle up your little ones. You won’t be disappointed, unless of course you don’t like side-scrolling platform-action games made from a fantastical world.

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Comic Mischief
Mild Cartoon Violence

Average web score: 7.6 out of 10
(according to Test Freaks)

Music gamers will of course be ready for Beatles: Rock Band coming to the PS3 on the 9th, and those who have held tight to the Guitar Hero franchise will want Guitar Hero 5 on the 1st. I’ve been flirting with the idea of having plastic instruments in my home for a while now. In truth, if my wife wanted it I’d already own it (she enjoys the Buzz Quiz TV game), but I still look at the music announcements — Talking Heads on Rock Band this week! — and wonder what it would be like to sing or strum along.

You’d think that the Wii would be the haven for all family-friendly fare but a few games hit PS3 this month that you will probably be able to play with your significant other and/or kids. If you haven’t picked up LittleBigPlanet yet first, shame on you! Seriously! Go buy the Game of the Year Edition that comes out on the 8th. Next, Katamari Forever rolls into view on the 22nd and is another huge family-favorite in my house. My kids have heard and like the soundtrack to We Love Katamari and my oldest has played it as well, but this version will bring in Trophies as well as nice quirky visual modes that I’ll be happy to buy it for. The possible Pokemon Snap clone Afrika finally lands in the US and given its age probably will not have Trophies built in, but it will offer some nice visuals while you stalk wild animals and collect great pictures of them.

Our last stop on this tour is what you’d think a hardcore console like the PlayStation 3 should have: some meaty Rated T and Rated M fare. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 sounds in previews like it’s cured some of the problems I saw with the first Marvel Ultimate Alliance game — it sounds more like a dungeon crawler with superpowers than the first game. And last, but not least, you have the blood-and-gore-and-jiggle-fest of Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma that promises to give people who enjoy being frustrated all the time by horrifyingly hard games a lot to love. Hint: I’m not one of them.

Media Molecule does the greatest promo videos!

Water is coming to LittleBigPlanet soon, in a move that the company characterizes as big of a deal as the Metal Gear paint gun enhancement. This is at least part of Sony’s “big announcements” due to drop during the GamesCom event today. Remakes of obnoxious underwater Sonic levels on standby.

In official PS Blog comments, Sony voice Mark Mallador reveals that LBP avatars are coming to PSN and “we really mean it this time.” Additionally, the as-yet-unnamed water feature will not be included in the GOTY edition. Nothing about DLC price or expected release date.

Source: PlayStation Blog

It’s going to be an expensive night for me on the ol’ PlayStation Store, as I pick up Marvel vs Capcom 2 ($15) and these two history-based packs for LittleBigPlanet.

The costume pack sells for $3 and includes enough sackperson garments to adequately recreate Genghis Khan, Boudica, Ada Lovelace, and the most adorable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ever.

The History kit is priced at $4 and includes a deep well of good buildin’ elements. Four objects (King Tut mask!), five materials, thirteen decorations, 140 stickers, one sound object, one music object, a new background (The Pantheon)… and a playable level that you have to jaunt through in order to collect all of these items. The kit covers seven different “genres” of historical architecture, people and decor: Asian, Arabic, Egyptian, Gothic, Roman, Celtic, and Native American.

Source: Media Molecule