Warner has finally decided to let the bat out of the bag (see what I did there?) and let us in on when Rocksteady’s Arkham City would released.  The game will release October 18th in the US and the UK on October 21st.

The game, which was teased in 2009, sees the crumbling of Arkham Asylum and the spillage of criminals into the streets. The city is eventually sealed and is dubbed Arkham city.

Hugo Strange and Two-Face are the two big villains for the game, as well as Harley Quinn and Joker returning from the Arkham Asylum. Catwoman also has some involvement in the title. Warner also released some new screens as well.

Check out the new screens below:

• New Batman Arkham City Trailer Shows Us Some Actual Gameplay
• New Batman: Arkham City Screens/Artwork Displays a Patriotic Two-Face, Sexy Harley Quinn
• Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes Fighting Crime This Summer
• Gotham City Imposters Delayed
• Gotham City Impostors Is Not Your Average FPS (Hands On)
• Arkham City Requires Online Pass To Unlock Catwoman

It takes a certain kind of gamer to appreciate Atlus’ games. They tend to be quirky, difficult, and above all, so heavy with Japanese influence and references that localization must be a trying task indeed.

Looks like we won’t be seeing Atlus’ newest title Catherine, a strange erotic horror-based action puzzler, hit the states. I’m aware that description makes little to no sense, but there simply isn’t a way to nail down what this genre-bending title actually is.

Catherine is currently at the top of Japan’s all-formats chart, holding a sizable lead over runner-up Marvel vs. Capcom 3. That’s right, an Atlus game is at the top of a sales sheet, and it’s a shame we may never get to see it here in the states. Oh well, better get to importing if you want to play this gem.

Source: [Beefjack]

• Tales of Graces English Translation Coming This Year
• According to Catherine, Gamers Are Split 50/50 On The Definition of “Cheating”
• Catherine Sets Atlus Launch Sales Record
• How to Play Catherine on “Very Easy Mode”
• New Catherine “Climb or Die!” Trailer Shows the Most Insane Platforming You’ll Ever See
• Catherine: Official “Love Is Over” Unboxing Trailer

Stay tuned to RipTen.com for more news as it breaks.

-

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo and Nintendo 3DS news and information?  Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook.  Be sure to tell me what you think about the Nintendo 3DS!

• Nintendo 3DS Launch Details Announced
• Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Dated For North America
• First North American 3DS Commercial
• Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Screens And Release Info
• Nintendo 3DS Gets A European Release Date
• The King Nintendo Fanboy Predicts 3DS Launch Date

Ready for some box-art action? Good, because we have both the European and US covers for the upcoming racer “Motorstorm Apocalypse”. Check them out below

European Version:

US Version:

Let us know which version you like best in the comments, and make sure to visit RipTen for more news on Motorstorm Apocalypse, and hit me up on twitter -@iamaaronalex

• Sony Announces MotorStorm Apocalyse
• David Jaffe + Sweet Tooth’s Truck + 100,000 Full Metal Jacket Bullets + You = Twisted Fun
• Take a Nice Relaxing Journey Later This Year
• Sony: Re-branding the Way We Talk About the Way We Talk
• Total PS3 Sales Close to Xbox 360 But Gap May Widen
• RipTen Review: BurgerTime World Tour (XBLA)

Updates

Uno – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $7.99)
Uno – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $4.99, original price $7.99)
Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack – Ninja – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack – Psycho – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack – Soldier – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack – Sports Fan – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Rock Band – Oasis Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – The Police Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – The Offspring Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – Nine Inch Nails Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – Jimmy Buffett Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – All That Remains Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – Evanescense Pack 01 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – Weezer Pack 02 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $5.49)
Rock Band – Rush Moving Pictures (album) – Sale (PS3) (now $5.49, original price $10.99)
Rock Band – The Cars (album) – Sale (PS3) (now $8.49, original price $14.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – The Sack That Time Forgot Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Gardens Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Savannah Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Lurve Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Wedding Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Canyons Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Metropolis Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Easter Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Islands Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Temples Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Wilderness Theme – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Jungle Sackfari Explorers Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Sack Circus Extravaganza Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – MotorStorm Hessian Stitch Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Unidentified Sacking Object Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Heroes in Uniform Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Fruit Salad Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Robin Hood Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Wild West Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – King Arthur Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Yuletide Sack Level Pack – Permanent Price Change (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $2.99)

Qore

Qore Episode 32: January 2011 ($2.99, free for PlayStation Plus subscribers)
Episode 32 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network leads off with a 2010 Year in Review feature, dives deep into the LittleBigPlanet 2 level creation tools, covers the long anticipated debut of Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 system and explores the epic world of DC Universe Online.
File size: 1.51 GB

Qore Annual Subscription – January 2011 ($24.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a high-definition monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to upcoming titles from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and the third-party developers across the globe.
File size: 1.51 GB

Downloadable Games

Faery: Tales of Avalon ($14.99)
You will have to understand why this magic world is dying, and save the kingdom from certain disappearance. In a thrilling adventure where your choices will shape the story, develop your character, his abilities and special powers, as well as his equipment through the victorious battles and accomplished quests!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 560 MB

Game Demos (free)

Faery: Legends of Avalon Demo
This trial proposes you to understand why this magic world is dying, and save the kingdom from certain disappearance. In a thrilling adventure where your choices will shape the story, develop your character, his abilities and special powers, as well as his equipment through the victorious battles and accomplished quests!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 560 MB

Add-on Game Content

EyePet – Sports Pack ($2.99)
If you or your EyePet are fans of tennis, boxing, and/or baseball, then this one’s for you! Show off your EyePet’s athleticism with the Sports Pack. Download the new pack today!
File size: 100 KB

ModNation Racers – Jak and Daxter Mod and Kart ($2.49)
Are you ready for some Combat Racing? Jak and Daxter return to the wheel in this special DLC bundle that includes TWO fully-designed Mods for both the Jak and Daxter characters and one intense Kart inspired by Jak’s desert buggy from Jak 3. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB

Fist of the North Star – DLC Pack 7 ($5.99)
Instill terror in the hearts of your enemies with Shin and Thouzer, two mighty Nanto masters, in their original comic book costumes! Two new missions will have you facing off against the most powerful fighters in the world, or choosing sides with either Hokuto or Nanto forces for an epic final showdown!
File size: 23 MB

The Sims 3 – Asian Fusion Pack ($9.99)
Melding Asian motifs and contemporary comfort, this furniture collection always has a sense of humor, much like a fortune cookie.
File size: 2.77 MB

The Sims 3 – ECO Pack (Free)
Now your Sims can enjoy the newest member of the Toyota Prius family with this cool new pack! The pack includes environmentally conscience items so Sims can reduce their global footprint and feel good about it at the same time. Celebrate a greener tomorrow today!
File size: 3.06 MB

Super Street Fighter IV – Ultra Shadaloo Pack ($3.99)
Download the sixth ultra-powered pack of alternate costumes for Super Street Fighter IV! New costumes for Balrog, Sagat, Vega, M.Bison and Seth are included. Don these new threads and take down all of your rivals in style! This downloadable content is only compatible with Super Street Fighter IV.
File size: 53 MB

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• “2nd Sucks” – A Day To Remember ($1.99)
• “All I Want” – A Day To Remember ($1.99)
• “The Downfall Of Us All” – A Day To Remember ($1.99)
• “We’ve Got A Situation Here” – The Damned Things ($1.99)
• “Rescue Me” – Hawthorne Heights ($1.99)
• “Wings Of A Butterfly” – HIM ($1.99)
• “Closer” – NIN ($1.99)
• “The Hand That Feeds” – NIN ($1.99)
• “Head Like A Hole” – NIN ($1.99)
• “Buried Myself Alive” – The Used ($1.99)
• January Mega Pack ($17.99) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Closer” by NIN, “The Hand That Feeds” by NIN, “head Like A Hole” by NIN, “We’ve Got A Situation Here” by The Damned Things, “Buried Myself Alive” by The Used, “Rescue Me” by Haethorne Heights, “Wings Of A Butterfly” by HIM, “All I Want” by A Day to Remember, “The Downfall of Us All” by A Dat to Remember, and “2nd Sucks” by A Day to Remember. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack.

File size: 27 – 59 MB (singles), 388 MB (track pack)

Rock Band 3
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visitwww.RockBand.com.

• “Crawling″ – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “In The End″ – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “Numb″ – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “Somewhere I Belong″ – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “Waiting for the End″ – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• “What I’ve Done″ – Linkin Park ($1.99)
• Linkin Park Pack 01 ($9.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Linkin Park Pack 01. This pack includes “Crawling”, “In The End”, “Numb”, “Somewhere I Belong”, “Waiting for the End”, and “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park.

Rock Band Network

• “Gasoline” – The Bouncing Souls ($0.99)
• “Let Us Slay” – GWAR ($0.99)
• “Saint Simon” – The Shins ($1.99)
• “Smokahontas” – Attack Attack! ($1.99)
• “White Knuckles” – OK Go ($1.99)

File size: 19 – 31 MB (singles), 146 MB (track pack)

Bundles

Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack Bundle ($3.99)
Purchase all our DLC items for Dead Rising 2 with this Skills Pack Bundle. (Includes Ninja, Psycho, Soldier, and Sports Fan)
File size: 17.45 MB

PlayStation Home Items

PlayStation Home Estates Pack ($19.99)
Includes 10 Personal Spaces. It’s $48.90 value, now available for $19.99 with this exclusive PSN bundle!
File size: N/A

Avatars

Pocket Fighter Avatars (x3) ($0.49)
Akuma, Dan, and Nurse Morrigan Avatars
File size: 100 KB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 1/11 Edition
File size: 296 MB (HD), 497 MB (1080)

Faery: Legends of Avalon Trailer
File size: 74 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

Deep Freeze Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.47 MB

Smooth Notes Theme ($1.49)
File size: 3.62 MB

DOAPS Theme (free)
File size: 8.22 MB

Alice Theme ($1.99)
File size: 11 MB

Cityscape Fireworks Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 16 MB

Copacabana Premium Theme ($1.99)
File size: 3.92 MB

Kaledioscope Premium Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.16 MB

The Big Apple Premium Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.62 MB

Wallpapers (free)

echochrome ii Wallpaper 1
File size: 407 KB (HD)

echochrome ii Wallpaper 2
File size: 453 KB (HD)

Top Darts Dart Board Wallpaper
File size: 844 KB (HD)

Top Darts Locations Wallpaper 1
File size: 651 KB (HD)

Top Darts Locations Wallpaper 2
File size: 599 KB (HD)

Top Darts Locations Wallpaper 3
File size: 704 KB (HD)

Eat Them Wallpaper 1
File size: 453 KB (SD), 1.92 MB (HD)

Eat Them Wallpaper 2
File size: 456 KB (SD), 1.43 MB (HD)

Eat Them Wallpaper 3
File size: 401 KB (SD), 1.67 MB (HD)

Eat Them Wallpaper 4
File size: 390 KB (SD), 1.54 MB (HD)

Eat Them Wallpaper 5
File size: 458 KB (SD), 1.87 MB (HD)

Eat Them Wallpaper 6
File size: 394 KB (SD), 1.65 MB (HD)

Hoard Wallpaper 3
File size: 132 KB (SD), 279 KB (1080)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! ($29.99)
The Prinnies are sent on another quest by their twisted master, Demon Lord Etna! Take control of the 1000 puny Prinnies of the Prinny Squad and reclaim Etna’s panties! Traverse levels which change based on the time of day and slash through challenging new bosses and familiar foes alike!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 375 MB

Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Prinny 2: Asagi Wars Premium Special Ticket (free)
Can’t wait for Asagi to become the main character? Well, she can’t either! Grab this special ticket and help Asagi come to the front of the line. Gain access to Asagi Wars right from the beginning! Forget the Prinnies, this time Asagi can be the hero! In order to activate after installing, place the cursor on “New Game” at the title screen and press the buttons in the order of: ∆, □, о, ∆, □, о, ×.
File size: 481 KB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 1/11 Edition
File size: 49 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Sari PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
File size: 591 KB

Sari PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
File size: 577 KB

Streets PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
File size: 638 KB

Streets PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
File size: 629 KB

Clown – HideNSeek PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 473 KB

Clown – Surprise PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 457 KB

Copacabana PSP Theme ($1.99)
File size: 530 KB

Kaleidoscope PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 584 KB

The Big Apple PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 637 KB

Legend’s Of War: Patton’s Campaign Theme 2 (free)
File size: 407 KB

Deep Freeze PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 528 KB

Smooth Notes PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 453 KB

PSP Wallpapers (free)

Legends Of War: Patton’s Campaign Wallpaper 2
File size: 149 KB

• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 16 – Jan. 22
• US PlayStation Store Update 2-15-11
• US PlayStation Store Update 1-18-11
• U.S. PlayStation Store Update 1/04/11
• New Foklore Expansion Packs Coming

The Tales series has a sort of love/hate relationship with fans in the United States and other English-speaking countries.  Since 1995, the series has had 12 flagship games released, and only nine of those have been localized for the US. Considering the amount of dialog and the extensive voice acting in recent games, it’s not surprising that Namco would stop and consider before releasing the game in the US.  The style of the games are decidedly anime, and they don’t quite have the same US popularity of the Final Fantasy series.  However, the games are quite good, and those that play them – love them.

It’s frustrating to see a quarter of the games, then, not being localized for the US.  The most recent game being denied to English-speaking gamers is Tales of Graces, which many call the best in the series.  However, all hope is not lost.

The Tales of Graces Fan Translation project is underway, and they are planning on eventually releasing a patch for the game.  This is one of those “when it’s done” situations, and the team are taking their time to make sure that the translation results in a polished experience for the end user. It’s amazing what fans can accomplish when they put their mind to it, and the translators on the site are working hard to get the patch ready. The project started in June, after E3, and according to status bars on the site itself, much of the initial translation is already done.  However, everything still needs to go through a translation verification to ensure accuracy. They don’t want any, “All your base are belong to us” situations.

If all goes according to plan, the team is expecting to have the translation complete and an English patch released sometime this year.

"All Your Tales Are Belong To Us"

In the Wii version of Graces, the team estimates there are 90,000 lines to be translated (the PS3 contains an extra 10 hours of content, which the team hasn’t really started yet).  Basically, that’s any time text is on the screen, and a line can range from a single word to an entire paragraph. The translation team consists of five translators who have done the bulk of the translation, as well as about 10 others who help to contribute from time to time. The project is headed up by Colin Noga (coordinator), Aaron Lindsay (head coder), and Julia Pearse (head translator). Colin and Aaron have worked on a few other translation projects before now, but for many of the translators, this is their first time working on a project like this. They are volunteering their time because of their passion for the game, and a desire to allow everyone to be able to experience and enjoy it. They are also strongly anti-piracy, and do not wish to promote it whatsoever with this project.  This will be a patch to the original game only, not a re-release of the game itself. The website even includes links to where you can legitimately buy the game.

Just today, the team has decided their next endeavor will be Tales of Vesperia for the PS3.  Hopefully, this endeavor will continue, and we will be able to play these games in the US despite Namco refusing to release them here. If you’re interested in the project, head over to www.talesofgraces.com and check out their progress; you can even download a demo for the PS3.  The team are also looking for more translators, with JLPT level 3 required and level 2 greatly preferred. If you think you can help, go ahead and send an email to translation@talesofgraces.com, or contact the team via the live chat on the website. You can also donate on the website as well.

• Atlus Has “No Plans” To Release Catherine in North America
• GDC11: New Dynasty Warriors 7 English Gameplay
• Nintendo 3DS Gets Dated For North America
• Battlefield 3 PS3 Patch Deploys – Fixes Communication Issue
• SWTOR: PvP Rewards Update and Crew Skills Changes to Come in Patch 1.1.2
• Trion Introduces RIFT Lite – First 20 Levels Now Free-to-Play

PlayStation 3 owners will get their first look at Mass Effect 2 as the demo hits North America and Europe. Dated for December 21st for North America and the 22nd for Europe the demo arrives just in time for the hollidays.

No details have been given on whether or how this will differ from the Xbox 360′s demo.

• UK PS3 owners to get Killzone 2 demo pre-release
• Sony Takes Scalpel to Twisted Metal in Europe
• Trine 2 PS3 European Release Delayed Yet Again
• RipTen Review: BurgerTime World Tour (XBLA)
• Bioware Has Plans For Mass Effect 3 Demo
• Sony Starting “PSN Pass” Program, First Up – Resistance 3

Nintendo has concluded a special 3DS media event in Japan with details on the upcoming 3DS launch.  The Nintendo 3DS will launch in Japan on February 26, 2011 for a price of 25,000 yen ($298.62 USD).  The portable unit will be available  in two colors: Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black.  All units will be bundled with a 2GB SD card and an exclusive charging stand.

The 3DS will be available in North America and Europe in March 2011.  No price for these regions was given.

Source

• Nintendo 3DS Gets A European Release Date
• Nintendo 3DS Gets Dated For North America
• Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Dated For North America
• Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Screens And Release Info
• Check Out Nintendo’s Japanese 3DS Launch Video
• The King Nintendo Fanboy Predicts 3DS Launch Date

For those of you not in Japan, you probably haven’t heard of God Eater. It’s an action RPG from developer D3 publisher. If you are in Japan, then you probably at least know someone who has played the game, which has sold more than half a million copies in just three weeks. The publisher describes the game:

God Eater re-imagines the post-apocalyptic world with an original and dramatic story of human survival against overwhelming odds. The earth has been plagued by terrifying mutant beasts known as the Aragami and man’s only hope against them is  the God Arc weapons and the God Eaters who wield them. Players will create  their own hero and battle against many different types of these enemies, picking up items along the way to customize their weapons, guns,  bullets and shields, boosting their strength and stamina in the massive  scale fights.

Don’t you wish you could play it?

Defying trends that keep Japanese gems from ever making it to US shores, the game is set to release in the US first quarter of 2011. But it’s not just a straight port-the game is actually being brought over with double the content that’s in the original game. Along with the new content comes a new name: God Eater Burst. Look for it on PSP next spring.

• US PlayStation Store Update 1-11-2011
• Gran Turismo 5 PSP Connectivity Details
• Nintendo 3DS Launch Details Announced
• Rumour: PSP-4000 Coming to Japan this Year
• Square Enix Tries to Hide First Star Ocean IV Trailer
• UMD Passport Will Not Come To America

Square Enix announced the North American and European release date for Final Fantasy XIII utilizing the script that surfaced on the web a few weeks ago. While the release won’t be in time for Christmas, March 9, 2010 is still close enough to put a smile on my face. The latest installment will feature a track by R&B singer-songwriter, and winner of British TV series The X Factor, Leona Lewis, titled “My Hands”.

The five minute narrated video below features developer segments and a thirty second never before seen look at some Final Fantasy XIII in-game footage. PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 won’t be left with this alone though as Square Enix promises to deliver even more periodic updates on the 13th of every month in line with their “Lucky 13″ campaign.

FACE YOUR DESTINY ON MARCH 9, 2010 – FINAL FANTASY XIII LAUNCHES IN NORTH AMERICA
Multi-Platinum Singer Songwriter Leona Lewis Offers Brand New Song “My Hands” As Game’s Theme Song

LOS ANGELES (November 13, 2009) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America announced today the highly anticipated street date for FINAL FANTASY® XIII. This latest project in the multi-platinum FINAL FANTASY series promises to be intensely compelling and will be available for both the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on March 9, 2010.

FINAL FANTASY XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated franchise, bringing the series to multiple hi-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history. Expanding upon the rich tradition of the series, Producer Kitase Yoshinori (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), Director Motomu Toriyama (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V, VI, VII, VIII, X) and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo (FINAL FANASY X, XII) combine their creative vision to deliver the latest masterpiece in the FINAL FANTASY universe. Additionally, Masashi Hamauzu (FINAL FANTASY X, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-) presents a sweeping soundtrack while movie director Takeshi Nozue (FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN) and his team of artists adorn the game with seamless cinematic sequences of unparalleled caliber.

“We know that our fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installation of the franchise – FINAL FANTASY XIII will exceed all expectations,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “Coming simultaneously to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for the first time, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be available to all players who are looking for the most immersive gaming experience of 2010.”

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Leona Lewis has come on board with Square Enix to provide the theme song for FINAL FANTASY XIII. The song is entitled “My Hands,” and is featured on her highly-anticipated second album ECHO (J Records/Syco Music) set for release on November 17th. Leona Lewis took the music world by storm with her 2008 6x platinum debut album Spirit which features her chart topping, biggest selling single of 2008 “Bleeding Love,” and mega-hit “Better In Time.”
“When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song, “My Hands,” in FINAL FANTASY XIII, she was honored to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series,” said Tom Corson, EVP/GM, RCA Music Group. “Leona is a natural fit with the game’s powerful themes and strong female protagonist. We’re delighted to be part of this effort, bringing great musical artistry to
FINAL FANTASY XIII which is a riveting and dynamic gaming experience.”

Introducing new worlds, memorable characters and extraordinary stories with each new installment, the FINAL FANTASY series has continued to reinvent itself over the last two decades and has shipped over 85 million copies worldwide. The series is defined by a constant evolution, offering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation with every installment, and FINAL FANTASY XIII will be no exception to its legacy.

Story
Cocoon — a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquility was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.

The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.

They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.

After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

Features

Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.

Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.

Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.

Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.

Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

• Square-Enix Anagram Solved, Final Fantasy XIII Announcement Coming November 13th
• Final Fantasy XIII Japanese release date revealed
• How to Fix Final Fantasy
• Final Fantasy V Now Available on PSN
• Final Fantasy XIII-2 Fits on One Xbox 360 Disc
• FFXIII-2 Release Date Announced, Special Hardware Bundle Revealed

Well, the PSN Store update today is just a little bit disappointing. We were foolishly expecting Haze on the EU store, but they only received an old Stranglehold demo, and the US Store didn’t get much either.

So what’s in store for the US Playstation Store? You’ll be pleased to know that there are actually two demos: A demo of Blazing Angels 2, and a demo of the PSN game Toy Home. Hm, we guess that’s good enough, though it’s a bit of a letdown after Uncharted last week and the expectations for Haze.

The full update looks like this:

Demos:

Toy Home
Blazing Angels 2

Game Videos:

Playstation Network Video
Toy Home Video
PAIN Launch Trailer
High Velocity Bowling Trailer
Ratchet & Clank BTS: Animation
Ratchet & Clank BTS: Gameplay
Uncharted: DF Meet the Dogs video
Time Crisis 4 Trailer 2
Burnout Paradise Ultimate Driving Trailer
Battlefield: Bad Company Teaser Trailer
Timeshift FPS Differently Trailer 1

Movie Trailers:

The Dark Knight
This Christmas
David Gilmour – Remember That Night (Blu-ray)

Enjoy! Or at least try to.

• Savage Moon Revealed for PS3, New Screens
• Haze Demo Coming to EU PSN 11/15?
• PSN Announces New 99¢ Movie Rental Program
• Sony’s Welcome Back Program Helps Boost PS3 Sales
• Is Sony Planning To Redesign PSN?
• US PlayStation Store Update – June 28th 2011