It’s not a Final Fantasy VII remake but it’s a start. Kotaku notes that the Electronic Software Ratings Board has posted a listing for Final Fantasy VII for the Playstation 3 and PSP, which suggests that a PSN release is on the way.

The ports have already seen a PSN release in Japan, so it wasn’t that surprising that it would eventually make its way out of the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. ESRB is an American organisation, so this only refers to a North American release, but Square Enix would have to be more than a little mad to ignore Europe and the rest of the world. I’m sure they don’t want hordes of European Final Fantasy VII fans knocking down their office doors.

While a PS3 release doesn’t interest me all that much - as I can play my original copy on my PS2 - the PSP release has literally foaming at the mouth. The ability to play one of my favourite games of all time on the bus is something I would give my right arm for; well, that’s if I hadn’t already given in the hope that we will one day see a remake.

There’s no news on when this will actually hit the PSN store, but hopefully Square Enix will announce a release date at E3.

We already knew that a new PSP was rumoured to be in development, and now we have some official looking shots and leaked interview footage that pretty much confirms the speculation. Coming just two days before E3 is due to kick off all these leaks may have just ruined Sony’s big surprise, but if that’s the only big thing Sony was planning for their E3 press conference then it would have been extremely boring to sit through.

The buttons in the image above are said to slide back in under the screen when not in use, leading to a much smaller and lighter design. The biggest change though, although it has really been a long time coming, is the absence of a UMD drive. Games will be provided through digital downloads, which can be saved to memory sticks or the handheld consoles 16GB of flash memory. While it is apparently not intended to replace the PSP-3000 (much like the DSi and the DS) it is pretty much the last nail in the coffin for the UMD format.

Other little tid-bits include the ability to rent videos through PSN - just like the PS3 - and has new games such as Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet, Jak & Daxter and Metal Gear Solid lined up for it. It will also apparently arrive by Autumn, but we don’t know if that means a worldwide release or not.

The age of the Internet means it’s pretty much impossible to stop any secrets being released before they were intended. Even with all this information in hand it will still be interesting to see Sony demonstrating it at E3. Plus we will also get official confirmation on what’s true and what’s not; although due to it being so close to E3 I’d be greatly surprised if any of the information turns out to be false.

If you’re interested in seeing how the PSP Go’s size compares to the other big handheld players on the market then Kotaku has some interesting size comparisons.

The guys at Media Molecule have been flooding PSN with new LittleBigPlanet content as of late (such as these Monsters, Norse Mythology and Rag Doll Kung Fu costume packs), but anyone who doesn’t want some time in the cubes needs to know that nothing beats the law. The law sometimes goes by another name, and that name is Judge Dredd.

Yes, Media Molecule have conquered the seemingly impossible task of making Judge Dredd and some of his 2000AD compatriots cute in the form of loveable Sackboys. Joining Judge Dredd’s trademark frown are Judge Anderson, Johnny Alpha, Hammerstein and Rogue Trooper. The pack also features a set of stickers, which in total sets you back £4.79 (although each character can be bought individually at £1.59 each, but Judge Dredd and Judge Anderson are counted together) and should be available on the UK PSN Store right now.

Since I don’t own a PS3 I can only sadly admire this from afar, but at least I can be content in the knowledge that the worlds of 2000AD are being highlighted to the masses. Sure, most people know who Judge Dredd is (unfortunately most people outside of the UK will know the character based off Stallone’s awful interpretation of him) but other characters such as Johnny Alpha aren’t as widely known.

You can check out more images of the DLC on Media Molecule’s Flickr feed.

Although rumours (and leaked video footage, although Relic have now said that this came from a cancelled game and parts from it have been used for this game) have been circling around on the Internet for a while now THQ and Relic have now officially announced the existence of a new Warhammer 40k game. Warhammer 40k: Space Marine will be an “Action RPG” for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

The new game puts you in the incredibly huge boots of the Emperor’s glorious genetically engineered Adeptus Astartes (which are sometimes referred to as Space Marines, hence the title of the game); whom are fending off thousands of Orks that have decided to attack an Imperial planet. There’s not much more information apart from what you see in the video above; but apparently you will be engaging in large-scale conflicts whilst using devastating weapons like chainswords, bolters and even orbital strikes. All this will be splattered with WH40k’s trademark gore, but it wouldn’t be the dark evil future without it.

The 40k universe is a favourite of mine, but I do have some issues with the largely generic title that Relic have chosen. Yes, Games Workshop largely created the bald space marine types we see in a lot of video games today but I can’t help thinking that Relic could have chosen a more attractive title, considering how many similar games are out there for your average consumer. Similarly calling the game WH40k: Adeptus Astartes would appeal to the fans of WH40k, but the average person wouldn’t have a clue what that title meant. It’s a bit of a conundrum, but I hope that they rename the game before release.

Despite my concerns about the games name I am looking forward to this. Relic have a great history, having already used the 40k license in the excellent Dawn of War games, but are largely focused on the RTS genre. However, if they can channel the rich lore of the 40k universe into a decent action game then it may just be one of the biggest releases of the year - at least in my eyes!

Pre-E3 2009: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine First Look - IGN

This week see’s the release of the electrifying inFamous (forgive me for that pun). There is also Terminator Salvation, if you can stomach it, the fun and long lasting Bloom Blox Party and a whole bunch of other releases.

inFamous (PS3) 29/5

From what I’ve seen of inFamous it’s one game that I would consider buying a Playstation 3 for. Sadly my lack of funds means that this isn’t possible right now, so instead I have to dream about sending out bolts of deadly electricity, sliding along power lines, and leaping around the stricken Empire City. For you lucky ones who own a PS3 to play it on (one of the few good exclusive games that the PS3 has got this year) the reviews are saying it’s a lot of fun so go and pick it up.

Terminator Salvation (PC, PS3, X360) 29/5

Ah, another film tie-in. It’s not often that you get one that’s actually good, and sadly Terminator Salvation isn’t one of the few good ones. For one it’s an incredibly short game, weighing in at just a few hours it’s not really worth the full asking price. Secondly there’s no Christian Bale, and thirdly it’s based on a pretty lacklustre film to begin with.

I wouldn’t bother.
Boom Blox Bash Party (Wii) 29/5

The sequel to Steven Spielberg’s Bloom Blox is packed with 400 levels, which is tremendous value. These levels come in a variety of new environments, such as underwater and outer space, populated by new characters and new shapes of blocks. The multiplayer modes are also far more extensive, with co-op and competitive areas. It sounds like a great game for kids and adults alike.

Other releases:

• Virtua Tennis 2009 (PS3, X360) 29/5
• Guitar Hero: Metallica (PS2, PS3, X360, Wii) 29/5
• Officers (PC) 29/5
• SBK-09 Superbike World Championship (PC, PSP, PS3, X360) 29/5
• Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge (PC) 29/5
• Medal of Honor: 10th Anniversary Edition (PC) 29/5
• Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (DS) 29/5
• Wonder World Amusement Park (DS) 29/5
• Aqua Panic (Wii) 29/5
• PDC World Championship Darts 2009 (DS, Wii) 29/5
• Ar Tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica (PS2)  29/5
• Left Brain Right Brain 2 (DS) 29/5
• Brain Exercise With Dr. Kawashima (PC) 29/5
• CustomPlay Golf (PC) 29/5
• Catan: Die Erste Insel (DS) 28/5

While we all knew that Rockstar had another downloadable Grand Theft Auto IV episode in the works the popular opinion was that Microsoft would announce it at their press conference at the upcoming E3. Instead Rockstar chose yesterday to announce their next episode, which is titled The Ballad of Gay Tony.

Moving away from The Lost and Damned’s seedy biker gang The Ballad of Gay Tony focuses on the glitzy “high-end night life” of Liberty City. You will play the role of Luis Lopez, who does the dirty work for the impresario Tony “Gay Tony” Prince.

Rockstar says that “players will struggle with the competing loyalties of family and friends, and with the uncertainty about who is real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price.”

The next episode is slated for an autumn release and will be priced at 1600 Microsoft points through Xbox Live.

I have yet to play The Lost and Damned, but that’s mainly due to sheer laziness because Xbox Live doesn’t accept my credit card so I have to buy those points cards through Amazon (I’ve come across a few instant-by-email sites but I’m yet to try them, apart from one that I use for my monthly subscriptions).

Infinity Ward said a new trailer for Modern Warfare 2 was going to come out soon and they delivered on their promise. Two minutes of tasty new footage is posted above for your consumption, and you should get a pretty good meal to satisfy your hunger for now.

The long awaited sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will be released on 10 November; and that’s a worldwide release so you can be shooting people from around the world on day one.

Although the trailer only shows the singeplayer campaign (from what I can gather anyway) it’s the multiplayer that most people will no doubt be looking forward to. Personally I thought both the single and multiplayer modes were equally entertaining, and based on their past Call of Duty games it’s hard to see how Infinity Ward can possibly go wrong in either case.

Below are three screenshots to go along with the trailer.

Apparently THQ doesn’t seem to be aware of the state of the economy right now and has sent our beloved Queen a gold plated Wii in order to promote their latest game. The shiny gold Wii and Wiimote, along with a copy of Big Family Games, arrived on the Queen’s doorstep at Buckingham Palace.

Apparently THQ thinks that 24 classic family games will appeal to the Royal Family, and will have the Queen flailing her arms in the air in no time at all. THQ product manager Danielle Robinson explains why they felt the need to pull such a tacky marketing stunt.

“The Royal Family is arguably the most important family in the country so we felt that they had to have a copy of the new game. But we thought that Her Majesty the Queen wouldn’t want to play on any old console, so an extra-special gold one was commissioned. We hope that she and the rest of the Royal Family enjoy the game!”

Gold it may well be, but I’d rather not have something so incredibly tacky in my living room. They also had the cheek to send the Queen shovelware, not that she’ll notice the quality of the game as it’s not like she’ll be playing it (although she has apparently shown interest in the console in the past).

Meanwhile we peasants have to make do with the regular old Wii, which wouldn’t be that bad if Nintendo would actually release colours other than plain white.

It’s not a bad week for games, which is fortunate as we’re coming up to the Summer - a notoriously dry season for games. Personally I’m tempted by Klonoa, but take a look at the list yourself to see what takes your fancy (if anything).

Damnation (PS3, PC, X360) 22/5

Originally an Unreal Tournament 2004 mod (which I played, and thought it was quite good) Damnation has now evolved into a full retail release. The game is set in an alternate 20th century where the American Civil War is still raging and everything is rendered in steampunk; and you’ll make use of acrobatic talents and a unique ‘spirit vision’ to get through the game. Unfortunately if Eurogamer’s review is anything to go by an interesting premise doesn’t always make a good game.

Punch-Out!! (Wii) 22/5

Readers who owned a NES may remember the original Punch-Out!!, a colourful cartoony boxing game that, at least according to Wikipedia, has ‘consistently been ranked amongst the best games released for the NES platform’. If you’re feeling nostalgic then Nintendo has you covered as 11 boxers from the NES release make their return. Let’s just hope that you don’t let Glass Joe take you down.

Bionic Commando (PS3, X360) 22/5

Yet another re-visit to a franchise that was around on the NES (although it originally came out in arcades) Bionic Commando is a direct sequel to the second game (the first NES release). You swing around the environment, while using your bionic arm to carry out attacks - such as launching boulders and cars at enemies. Check out the demo on Xbox Live if you want to see it for yourself.

Klonoa (Wii) 22/5

It’s all about the old games this week, isn’t it? Klonoa was one of my favourite platformer games for the PSOne, and it’s a shame that it wasn’t that popular when it first came out. Thankfully this Wii update will hopefully make people aware of how great a game this is, and with updated visuals they’re in for a treat!

Other releases:

• UFC 2009 Undisputed (PS3, X360) 22/5
• Pokémon Platinum (DS) 22/5
• EA Sports Active (Wii) 22/5
• Demigod (PC) 22/5
• Aqua Panic (Wii) 22/5
• Big Family Games (Wii) 21/5
• Dawn of Discovery (DS, Wii) 22/5
• Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (Wii) 22/5
• Rock Revolution (X360) 22/5
• Neopets Puzzle Adventure (DS) 22/5
• Mind Body & Soul: Nutrition Matters (DS) 22/5
• Diva Girls: Making the Music (DS) 22/5
• Octomania (Wii) 22/5
• Restaurant Empire 2 (PC) 22/5

What do you do with a tired old franchise that had its day a long time ago, along with the man it represents? Well, if you’re Activision you introduce yet another game – Tony Hawk: Ride – into the franchise and throw in a peripheral that looks like a skateboard.

Pictured above (in case you didn’t notice) the new controller is a ‘motion sensing balance board’, which sounds eerily familiar, that Activision are touting as a “massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole” (Source). At first you may just think it’s a third party attempt to rip-off the Wii Balance Board, but when you take in the details you realise that it’s actually a lot more advanced than the controller that obviously inspired it.

For example, the skateboard actually acts like a real skateboard. Tilting the skateboard in either direction will make the skater on your TV screen do likewise. Infrared sensors in the board also allow the game to figure out where your hands are and carry out appropriate actions based on their positions. So if your skater was up in the air placing your hands to the front of the board would make the skater on the screen grab the front of their board. It’s easier to show you then describe how it works any further, so simply go here to see the board and game in action.

It sounds and looks like a really good idea, and may just make a tired old franchise worth playing yet again. I loved the first two Tony Hawk games, but from then on I just felt that it when downhill – especially introducing all the silly vehicles and characters in the Underground installments – and was easily surpassed by EA’s Skate franchise. However, I do have some reservations about the controller itself as it is yet another bulky peripheral that’s going to clutter up our homes. The Wii Balance Board may now look a little primitive, but at least it encompasses a wide range of games and not just a single one. Of course, the Wii Balance Board was intended as a general peripheral while the new Tony Hawk one is in a niche of its own, but it still means that people have to find somewhere to store it along with all the other contraptions on the market today. To adress this problem the developers promise that there will be other uses for the board;

“We started out with skateboarding because it’s easy to understand,” he said. “But there are a lot of games we realize could be used on the board. We were surprised at some of the ideas we listed out .”

Now the team has a “huge list” of potential future games for the board.

And that will be key to Ride’s success, said Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter.

“I think the problem with all peripherals is that you have to make them reusable,” he said. “They must be acceptable to be used with more than the original game.” – Kotaku
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see when it comes to other uses. As for the game there will be more details at this year’s E3.