Sony has bolstered the PlayStation 4 launch lineup today by announcing that hit PSN games Flower, flOw, Sound Shapes and Escape Plan will make the jump into the next generation. PS4 versions of Flower (at 1080p and 60fps) and Sound Shapes will hit on launch day, November 15th, with flOw and Escape Plan to follow shortly thereafter on November 29th. A Vita version of Flower will also be released on the 15th.
Best news of all, these four games will be cross-buy. If you already own any of these games on PS3 or Vita, you will be able to download them for free on your shiny new PS4. Or if you buy them for the first time on PS4, they’ll be ready to download on the other platforms. (Escape Plan is the only game that won’t have a PS3 version.)
Unfortunately for those of us who bought Flower and flOw with the glorious Journey Collector’s Edition retail collection, Sony has no way of tracking who owns physical copies of games since they aren’t linked to a user’s PSN account. Therefore this cross-buy deal will only apply to digital copies.
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The latest title from Queasy Games, Sound Shapes is a mixture of platforming and music creation. The concept is simple: move a blob through various levels, collecting dots which activate musical notes. There are five album worlds which have unique art styles as well as musical notes to collect. Each album was created with the help of other indie development teams and musicians, and I found myself methodically playing through each level so that I could enjoy the music as it was unlocked after collecting each new dot.
Collaborators include I Am Robot and Proud, Vic Nguyen (from Capy), Jim Guthrie, The Superbrothers, Colin Mancer, deadmau5, PixelJam, Beck and Pyramid Attack. Each album brings a touch of flavor from each respective contributor’s work, bringing a fresh and interesting feel to each new world. As I played through each album I would think to myself, “Wow, this music is my new favorite!” only to get to the next album and be blown away all over again. The music is truly top notch. While some levels can be frustrating (any and all red objects in the game cause instant death), there is no death penalty and no time constraint, which helps put the focus on being able to enjoy the music as a level progresses.
Once a level is completed, objects are unlocked which can then be used for creating your own levels. Creating levels can be done right out of the gate, but gaining the unlocks provides level creation with a bunch of new environmental objects to work with so you’re better off waiting until after the campaign has been completed. I’m a bit torn in saying this, but fortunately the campaign is short so all unlocks can be obtained quickly. However, as much as I enjoyed the music and levels that launched with the game, I also wish there were more.
Finishing the campaign unlocks two additional modes: Beat School and Death Mode. Beat School is a fun educational series of lessons which play a brief series of beats or chords and then have players try to place the musical notes in the correct location to match what was played. These lessons help teach how to best make music within the game. Death Mode is a series of levels or b-side tracks from each album that are races to collect notes before time runs out. While I appreciate the added replay value, the random placement of notes on each attempt is completely frustrating. I love that the campaign levels are play at your own pace; I absolutely dread playing the Death Mode levels.
Fortunately the game doesn’t simply rely on Death Mode or Beat School as the only means for replay. Similar to LittleBigPlanet or ModNation Racers, Sound Shapes‘ level/music creation tool allows each user-made track to be uploaded and shared with the world. The Community section of the game highlights popular levels as well as levels that people on your friend list have enjoyed. While searching for new levels can be a little hit or miss from within the game, Sony and Queasy have also put together a Community web site that allows gamers to browse levels and queue them up to be played at a later time.
Before Sony announced its big Cross Buy promotion at Gamescom this year, Sound Shapes was already one such title where buying it for Vita or PS3 gave gamers the ability to play it on both systems at no extra charge. Sound Shapes provides a great Cloud Sync function which allows progress within the game, as well as levels being created, to be uploaded to the cloud from one device and then transferred to the other so that progress can continue without having to restart from scratch. This is a simple and awesome implementation and something that I hope is copied with future Cross Buy games.
I’m a bit torn as to which device I enjoy playing the game on more between the Vita and PS3. I love seeing the unique art style on a big screen and hearing the music through my 5.1 surround sound system, but on the other hand, the game feels a bit more natural on the Vita. The Vita’s menu system is more graceful due to the touch screen and while it takes getting used to, being able to use the rear touchpad is also less clumsy than using analog sticks when creating a level.
Sound Shapes is a wonderful title for the unique music and art style found within the campaign. What will keep this game fresh is the community-driven level creation. While I’ve found a few amazing titles, I’ve also found some clunkers. But seeing that the game has only been out a very short period, I would expect some truly spectacular levels will be created in short order once the community has mastered the tools within the game. Sound Shapes is at its beat-making best on the Vita, but as a two-for-one title it is a definite buy no matter which platform you choose to make beautiful platforming music on.
Pros:
+ Amazing campaign music
+ Great level editor
+ Cross Buy and cloud sync between Vita and PS3
Cons:
– Death Mode levels are frustrating
– Additional campaign levels would be nice to have
Game Info:
Platform: PS3 and Vita via PSN
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Queasy Games
Release Date: 8/7/2012
Genre: Music Platformer
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Players: 1
Source: Review code provided by publisher
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From July 31st through August 21st, Sony’s second annual PlayStation Network PLAY summertime digital download game program will roll out four new games, including two exclusives, one get-it-on-PSN-first multi-platform title, and one multi-platform title with exclusive PlayStation Move motion control support. (Last season was quite successful: See our reviews for BloodRayne: Betrayal, The Baconing, Renegade Ops and PayDay: The Heist.)
Ubisoft’s The Expendables 2 movie game kicks off the promotion, followed by Sound Shapes (pay once, get it for both PS3 and Vita) and Papo & Yo, before closing out with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
These four games will become available for pre-order starting July 24th, and each title will come with an XMB theme based on the game purchased. There’s also a tiered bonus cash payback program in place: buy any two of the PLAY games for a $3 PSN voucher, buy any three for $6, or buy all four to get $10, all to help pay for a fifth game of your choice (or any other PSN content you have your eyes on).
All four games will cost $14.99, but PlayStation Plus members will get a 20% discount to bring the individual asking price down to $11.99 each.
Keep reading for more details about each PSN PLAY title along with a spiffy preview montage.
July 31: The Expendables 2 Videogame (PS3)
Leading off the PLAY promotion and launching first exclusively on PSN, the latest and most explosive co-op action shoot’em up title coming to PSN, based on the popular movie franchise this game leads players right into the upcoming The Expendables 2 movie. The story begins when four Expendables (Barney, Gunner, Caesar and Yin Yang) are hired to rescue an extremely valuable, kidnapped Chinese billionaire. Featuring vehicular combat, four-player co-op story and challenge modes, and a wealth of exotic locales, The Expendables 2 Videogame offers everything an action-game fan could want. Pre-order The Expendables 2 Videogame starting July 24 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). The Expendables 2 Videogame is rated “M” for Mature by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 7: Sound Shapes
(PS3/PS Vita)
Play, Compose and Share in a unique take on the classic sidescrolling platformer where your actions make the music. Equal parts instrument and game, Sound Shapes gives everyone the ability to make music. Play through a unique campaign that fuses music and artwork into a classic 2D platformer featuring artwork by Pixeljam, Capy, Superbrothers and more, with music by I Am Robot and Proud, Jim Guthrie, and Deadmau5. Additionally, Sound Shapes comes to the PLAY program as a cross-platform title, allowing players to play at home on their PS3, or take it on the go with PlayStation®Vita. Create and upload your levels on either platform for others to download and remix on their own. Sound Shapes creates an ever-changing musical community for everyone to enjoy, anywhere. Pre-order Sound Shapes starting July 31 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Sound Shapes is rated “E” for Everyone by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 14: Papo & Yo (PS3)
PSN exclusive indie game Papo & Yo tells the story of a young boy, Quico, and his best friend, Monster. Taking place in a dreamlike world inspired by South American favelas, Papo & Yo entices players to explore and solve puzzles as Quico, while simultaneously preventing Monster from eating poisonous frogs, which throws him into an uncontrollable rage. As one of PSN’s most-anticipated indie titles, Papo & Yo is a truly unique and beautiful experience that players can only get on PSN. Pre-order Papo & Yo starting August 7 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Papo & Yo is rated “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 21: Counter-Strike®: Global Offensive (PS3)
One of the gaming world’s most celebrated first-person shooter series makes its way to PSN with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, offering an updated take on the tried-and-true objective-based gameplay. Pitting teams of counter-terrorists against terrorists, Global Offensive features a number of classic game types like Bomb Diffusal and Hostage Rescue, and introduces two new modes: Arms Race and Demolition. Up to 10 players can engage in online matches, and the game also supports PlayStation®Move, giving players a brand new way to experience the classic Counter-Strike gameplay. Pre-order Counter-Strike: Global Offensive starting August 14 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is designated “RP” for Rating Pending and has not yet been assigned a final rating by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
The second stop on our E3 2012 screenshot tour takes us into the wonderful world of PlayStation, where games like The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, God of War: Ascension and The Unfinished Swan promise to astonish and old Oddworld adventures are reborn in HD. Sony may have missed an opportunity to really push the Vita during its press conference, but Sound Shapes, New Little King’s Story, Street Fighter X Tekken, Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and others also show that the powerhouse portable has even more quality software on the way.
My only question: where the hell is The Last Guardian? I understand the game not being ready for a stage demo, but a few new screenshots would have been a nice gesture, just to quell any vaporware fears.
The Last of Us (PS3):
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Beyond: Two Souls (PS3):
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God of War: Ascension (PS3):
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The Unfinished Swan (PS3 – PlayStation Move):
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Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD (PS3):
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Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD (Vita):
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Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD (Vita):
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LittleBigPlanet Vita (Vita):
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LittleBigPlanet Karting (PS3):
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Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation (Vita):
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Sports Champions 2 (PS3 – PlayStation Move):
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Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3):
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Papo & Yo (PS3):
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Street Fighter X Tekken (Vita):
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Wonderbook: Book of Spells (PS3 – PlayStation Move):
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DUST 514 (PS3):
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Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (Vita):
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New Little King’s Story (Vita):
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One Piece: Pirate Warriors (PS3):
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Silent Hill: Book of Memories (Vita):
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Smart As (Vita):
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Sound Shapes (PS3 and Vita):
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Spy Hunter (Vita):
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Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz (Vita):
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When Vikings Attack (PS3 and Vita):
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Three HUGE gaming blockbusters dominate the spotlight in the latest edition of our weekly screenshot round-up. Prepare to be shocked and awed by gorgeous new shots from Crysis 3, Halo 4 and The Last of Us.
Anything else to care about? You bet! Loads of games were immortalized in screenshot form this week. Other featured galleries include: Gravity Rush, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, Batman: Arkham City’s Harley Quinn’s Revenge DLC, Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown, Rayman Origins 3DS, One Piece: Pirate Warriors, Alan Wake’s American Nightmare for PC, Pokédex 3D Pro, Pokémon Black Version/White Version 2, Smart As, Sound Shapes, Madagascar 3: The Video Game, Mercenary Ops, Lollipop Chainsaw, Waveform’s Eris DLC, Worms Revolution, Fray, Dungeon Gate, NASCAR The Game: Inside Line, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD and Final Fantasy XIII-2’s final DLC set.
Crysis 3 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360):
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Halo 4 (Xbox 360):
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The Last of Us (PS3):
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Gravity Rush (PS Vita):
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Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3, PS Vita):
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Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (Nintendo 3DS):
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Batman: Arkham City – Harley Quinn’s Revenge DLC (PS3, Xbox 360):
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Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown (PSN, XBLA):
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Rayman Origins 3DS (Nintendo 3DS):
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One Piece: Pirate Warriors (PSN):
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Alan Wake’s American Nightmare (PC):
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Pokédex 3D Pro (Nintendo 3DS eShop):
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Pokémon Black Version/White Version 2 (Nintendo DS):
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Smart As (PS Vita):
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Sound Shapes (PS Vita):
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Madagascar 3: The Video Game (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360):
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Mercenary Ops (PC):
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Lollipop Chainsaw – Juliet Starling Bonus Costumes (PS3, Xbox 360):
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Waveform – Eris DLC (PC):
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Worms Revolution (PC, PSN, XBLA):
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Fray (PC, Mac):
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Dungeon Gate (PC):
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NASCAR The Game: Inside Line (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360):
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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD (PSN, XBLA):
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Final Fantasy XIII-2 – Final DLC (PS3, Xbox 360):
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Check Out These Links:
- First Look at Crysis 3 Gameplay
- NYC Becomes a Real Urban Jungle in Crysis 3
- Halo 4 Launching Worldwide November 6
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD DLC Levels to Come From Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
- New Last of Us Trailer is Like the Car Scene From Children of Men
- Get Ready for Square Enix’s Nintendo 3DS Summer of Fun
- Square Enix’s 3DS Final Fantasy Rhythm Game Comes West This Summer
- Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time Goes Portable on PS Vita
- Payback’s a Bitch… A Bitch Named Harley Quinn
- New Beta Sign-Ups: Far Cry 3, DUST 514, Mercenary Ops and Fray
- One Piece: Pirate Warriors Goes All Dynasty Warriors on Your Manga-Lovin’ Ass
- Alan Wake’s Pulp Action Spin-off Shines Light on PC This Month