Go and get your $99 Playstation 2 NOW! Yes, Sony has confirmed the price drop. After offering almost a decade of gaming glory Sony has officially dropped the price of the Playstation 2. It is amazing that this console is still selling like hotcakes.  Sony definitely knows how to preserve their hardware.

A new exclusive title is coming to the PS3 as a downloadable by way of the Playstation Network. The developers, Ivent are bringing what looks like a new action platformer to the network in the form of Strength of The Sword.

Check out this new screenshot;

It also seems the developers behind this new exclusive had some rather encouraging words about developing for the Playstation 3.

According to CVG;

“Developing for the PS3 is not difficult but let us say that it is specific to develop for it. We think that big companies are finding it sometimes difficult since they have huge resource base in terms of program code. Since PS3 has a specific architecture this is a precondition for a specific way of coding to be used when developing for it. We are a starting company and this is our first game so we decided from the very beginning that we want to develop games for the PS3. One more thing which makes the development of the game easy for us is Phyre engine which has great capabilities and is very easy to work with or at least our lead programmer Georgi Rakidov finds it this way.”

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Cloud computing is looking like the next wave of gaming and recently announced, ONLIVE is looking to revolutionize the way we play video games. It also appears Sony has no plans of missing out on all the fun.

According to Joystiq, Sony has trademarked something called “PS Cloud.

There are many directions Sony can go in with PS Cloud and Siliconera list some interesting options.

Siliconera writes;

An idealistic solution to the widely publicized PSN bandwidth fees problem. PlayStation 3 game hosting responsibilities could be split up or the PS Cloud could lead to a cloud console like On Live where games are stored and rendered on far away servers. The PSP already has remote play connectivity with the PS3. Looking (and dreaming) one step forward it would be awesome if Sony the PS Cloud was used to stream music, movies, and technologically impossible games to the PSP by just sending a video stream and transferring button input online.

If you are a sci-fi fan and have not seen the Ultimate Matrix Collection, please go and purchase this blu-ray collection as soon as possible.   Not only does this collection look absolutely stunning  in all it’s blu-ray glory,  there are  some great additional features that add lots legs to this Ultimate Matrix Collection.

Here’s what’s also included:

Disc 1:

-Audio Commentaries - Featuring effects artists Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta, actress Carrie Anne Moss, and a music only track featuring composer Don Davis.
-“The Music Revisited” - A collection of every single audio cue from the film. Awesome.
-“The Matrix Revisited” - An in-depth two hour documentary on the making of the original film. This was also included on the original DVD release of The Matrix .
-“Take the Red Pill”
-“Follow the White Rabbit”- Both of these features were early examples of DVD interactivity that are included for posterity.

Disc 2

-“Enter the Matrix” - A 42 minute documentary focused on a video game version of the film. -“Car Chase” - This is a 55 minute feature on the filming of the legendary freeway chase from the movie. Interesting if a bit long.
-“Unplugged” - An in depth documentary on the various special effects and fight choreography used in the film.
-“Teahouse Fight” - More behind the scenes fight choreography…
-“I’ll Handle Them” - And yet more fight and special effects info is presented here.
-Archive: “Exiles” - You guessed it! More behind the scenes features on secondary characters!

Disc 3

-”Behind the Matrix” -Believe it or not, here is yet another behind the scenes featurette - - this time focusing on the the third film in the series.
-“Siege” - An in-depth review of the processes behind the large-scale machine attack.
-“Aftermath” - A 40 minute post production featurette…
-“Crew” - The titles says it all.
-“Hel” - a 28 minute documentary on the goth club scene.
- “Super Burly Brawl” - More behind the scenes fight info!
-Archive: “New Blue World” - A pretty succinct (for this set, anyway) wrap up.

Disc 4

Perhaps the greatest extra of them all on this massive set is the inclusions of The Animatrix in full 1080p adn Dolby TrueHD sound. This series of animated stories relate directly to the final two films of the Matrix series. The Japanese animation houses used for these shorts have turned in some remarkable work. Frankly, I like The Animatrix better than the last two films of the series.

Here’s what’s included: “Final Flight of the Osiris”
“The Second Renaissance Part 1″
“The Second Renaissance Part 2.”
“Kid’s Story”
“Program,”
“World Record,”
“Beyond,”
“Detective Story,”

“Matriculated,”

Disc 5

The absolute overkill of this set continues with another complete disc of features.

-“Return to Source: Philosophy & The Matrix” - An hour long documentary featuring opinion and commentary on the philosophy of The Matrix from scholars and philosophers. We are now entering the overkill zone.
- “The Hard Problem: The Science Behind the Fiction” - This is very much a full-fledged documentary on the pitfalls of man’s eventual and current reliance on technology. Interesting stuff!

Disc 6

-”The Burly Man Chronicles” - This extensive extra is a feature length documentary on the entire production process on Reloaded and Revolutions. If the previous thirty hours of extras didn’t get it done for you, let’s hope this feature does.
-“Zion Archive” - Welcome to the gallery feature of this endless set. There are, literally, thousands of images here for your viewing pleasure.
-“Rave Reel” - As though anyone was requesting more dancing and boogie time from these films - - here you go.

Owners of the PS3 and Xbox 360 understand and believe in the concept of next generation of gaming. With 2 great systems, we as gamers have a high level of expectations for the games for our respective systems. Games such as Killzone 2 and Gears of War 2 are just a few of the best representative games this generation. However, it is becoming apparent that one developer/publisher in particular has yet to graduate to the next level of gaming.

Known for putting out fan favorites, Capcom has been able to successfully place their games in a position to dominate sales charts. Especially with their two recent hits Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter 4. These two remarkable games have both made their respective places on top of the sales charts. Not to mention they have been given “the nod” from top industry heads by receiving an average overall of 9.3 (between both of them). These are two remarkable milestones set by these two powerhouses, in which most games do not even have the luxury of accomplishing. The question we here at Playstation ThEvolution want to raise is, is Capcoms notoriety enough to overshadow their lack of push for the next generation of gaming?

Despite the praise and acclaim Street fighter 4 has received for its Best graphics, Best Production, etc.., it still has not made the proper transformation to the next generation of gaming. The graphics are good but yet they still manage to maintain its cartoonish image. This is a disappointment to gamers who expect more realism in their gaming experience.  To be quite honest, there is no distinction between this game and its predecessors, well except the HD resolution, the corny music and the horrible pre-fight cartoon.

An example of a next generation fighting game is Namco’s Soul Caliber 4. The game was praised for its next-gen graphics, character-creation mode and finally being able to play online. Namco used Havok’s game engine to produce this game. This engine is well known for its next generation development, with the use of dynamical simulation which allows for more lifelike worlds and animation. Their resume includes a few games that are definitely part of next generation of games such as Halo 3, Fallout 3, and Fear 2 and not to mention the best game so far of 2009, Killzone 2.

As for Resident Evil 5, we recently posted our review of this game. Capcom has really dropped the ball as far as pushing this game to the next generation of gaming especially with a franchise that has revolutionized horror games for years to come. Unlike Street Fighter 4, expectations for this R.E. 5 were set higher than any other game (with the exception of Killzone 2). The gameplay is very reminiscent of the previous installments on Playstation 2. To its credit, R.E. 5 has graphically exceeded its expectations but not enough to push them to the next level. Horror games such as DeadSpace are prototypes of how next generation horror games should be implemented.

Despite the criticisms, Capcom has still managed to produce successful games in which no one can take that away. With technology constantly changing, expectations are being set very high which leaves no room for just the average run of the mill software offerings. Capcom unfortunately have yet to enter the world of next generation of gaming but I guess as the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Check out the trailer to the new upcoming sequel, Bad Company 2

After launching in 2000, the Playstation 2 has gone on to offer arguably the greatest gaming experience in the last 10 years. When the Playstation 2 launched, Sony’s new gaming dvd  platform retailed for $299. Not since it’s inception has the Playstation 2 ever retailed below $100 and based on the latest internet leaked footage it looks like this might become a reality April 5th.

VGChartz writes;

With the price cut, Sony can probably sell 2 million PS2s in the USA to gamers in 2009, clearing out inventory in store houses and allowing the company to wind down production capacity for PS2 by focusing on developing videogame markets in Latin America, Eastern Europe, mainland Asia, and Africa.

Hopefully soon the Playstation 3 can follow in his big brother footsteps.

According to Kotaku, Sony is planning on a March 31st announcement which has gamers in high anticipation.

Kotaku writes;

Sony dropped Kotaku a line to let us know that something is going down on Tuesday, March 31st. Could it be the long-rumored price-cut is finally upon us?

Or could it be something completely different? Rumors have been doing little twirly things all over the internet over the past few weeks regarding a potential Playstation 3 price cut, and while our first thought was “Why would they announce it several days after GDC?”, apparently they are indeed announcing something several days after GDC. Go figure.

This does have price drop announcement written all over it but then again we’re not holding our breathe.

As reported in the previous article, Iron Mike Tyson is returning to the virtual world via Fight Night: Round 4.  In commemoration of this exhilarating event, this week’s retro game of the week is “Mike Tyson’s Punch-out”. With the exception of Super Mario Brothers, Punch-out solidified the Nintendo Entertainment System as a prevailing powerhouse. Think back to the times when you got in trouble for playing this game longer than you were allowed to, all because you were trying to beat Mike Tyson but you couldn’t. This game was well-known for it’s addictive nature.

It was developed by Nintendo and made its debut to the NES in 1987. It has consistently been ranked among the best games released on the NES platform. There were many variations, as this Mike Tyson’s Punch-out is a port of both Punch-Out and Super Punch-out arcade games. The graphics were nothing much to brag about, but don’t get it misunderstood, back then they were like HD, but speaking on it from today’s perspective makes it difficult to fully compliment it’s excellence. As far as the gameplay, overall the game was very competitive, especially playing as Lil Mac, who was extreme small in comparison to the competition.

Overall, Mike Tyson’s Punch-out was a game for the ages. It has laid the foundation for future boxing video games to come, in which Fight Night owes a debt of gratitude.

Check out this new gameplay video from the new upcoming BATMAN: Arkham Asylum title. This video shows the Dark Knight as he hunts down his prey in a ‘PREDATOR’ like fashion.

This game can’t release soon enough - Enjoy!

New Ratchet & Clank teaser coming! Based on the twitter posted by Geoff Keighley

Our finger are definitely crossed. Stay plugged into the ThEvolution!

After reading the title of this article, I can already imagine that most of the readers are locked n loaded and ready let me have it. Please rest assure in no way, shape or form is this article a compliment to the previous controversial arguments made by the anonymous CGI artist, nor am I siding with the Xbox Fanboy brigade. As one half of the two headed monster here at Playstation ThEvolution, I believe it is my duty to give the readers a complete and unbiased truth about what is dear to the PS3 nation.

KILLZONE 2 was inundated in marketing hype, which ultimately became its achilles heel. With all the buildup surrounding it, we as gamers expected a flawless product. Did we receive a  that? No. Now I am sure you will agree with me when I say nothing is perfect. If you asked me, ‘Was KILLZONE 2 a success’, or ‘Did it live up to its expectations?’ My answer would be, absolutely. Then again, if you asked me, ‘Did Killzone 2 live up to the hype? Unfortunately I would say no. Please do not misunderstand me, KILLZONE 2 is an incredible game for the ages as well as a prototype for the next generation of gaming but it did not fully live up to the tremendous hype surrounding it. As a result, God of War III will eventually capture the title of “King of the Hill” while KILLZONE 2 will become a memorable experience.

On the positive side, KILLZONE 2 is one of the best (if not the best) FPS that has ever hit the retail shelves. Its advanced graphics are universally acclaimed by critics. This is credit to the deferred shading engine, which enables greater control over the game’s characteristics lighting palette. In addition, the game has an excellent storyline with an ending that leaves players breathless. Not to mention the A.I. that is clearly ahead of its time.

All of those great features do not negate the fact it did not live up to the over saturated hype, which was clearly overkill. This put excess pressure on Guerrilla Games to produce a flawless game which is impossible, despite being in production for almost 4 years.

One huge negative about KILLZONE 2 is the native resolution. Gamers who own a contemporary LCD TV (such as myself), have been deprived of the complete experience of KILLZONE 2. Right now you’re probably thinking what could I possibly be talking about? This game was only maxed out at 1080i. Unfortunately, if you have a more modern LCD TV the best resolution you can obtain is only 720p. What kind of madness is this? You mean to tell me that gamers waited four years to play an evolutionary game, with limitations. In addition, the coverfire was not as sharp as it should have been, to be quite blunt, it was not great. With the Helghast soldiers as aggressive as they were, this was a very critical feature. When I think of good coverfire, Ghost Recon comes to mind.

God of War 3 on the other hand is slowly but surely taking over the top spot. With less hype backing this game (unlike KILLZONE 2), it allows gamers not to expect perfection. Also, this game is piggy backing off the success of the previous installment, which Killzone 2 did not have the luxury of doing. One important feature that stands out is the fact that this game will max out at 1080p. It appears Sony is not holding back with their proven franchise and if they are able to get God of War III to retail shelves before the end of 2009, KILLZONE 2 might just see itself as a runner-up to the much coveted gaming award. Of course it is definitely too early to make these kinds of predictions, I agree.

This was not an article putting one game against another, this was an observation of one game taking full advantage of another game’s short comings. As more exposure begins to surface for God of War III, talks are beginning to gain momentum while the window of interest for KILLZONE 2 is closing fast. Even though the negatives of KILLZONE 2 a extremely minimal, a game surrounded with massive hype can create a mountain out of a molehill.

After all this, you probably think I need to change my name to Harvey Dent, wear a half burnt suit, and flip a quarter all day. Please keep in mind that duality is a part of life, there is always 2 sides of a story.

“The CE3 runs currently at more or less the same quality bar,” Yerli asserted. “I say more or less because the engine still optimizes itself to power of the platforms’ intrinsics. So the PS3 will run slightly better here, it’ll look and feel probably the same, but the engine is diverting computation needs to power subsystems available to the PS3, and the 360 differently, and PC differently.” -  CryTek CEO and President, Cevat Yerli

This quote came from an interview conducted by IGN

PULSE

Pulse 3/26 Edition
PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network is a free high definition video showcase of what’s happening right now on PlayStation. Featuring new game releases, demos, movie and television arrivals available for your PS3 and PSP systems, PULSE is a fast-paced new source to keep you connected and informed about the world of PlayStation. Hosted by Christina Lee.
File sizes: 184 MB (HD) 312 MB (1080)

Downloadable Games

Burn Zombie Burn ($9.99)
Burn Zombie Burn! is a third-person shoot’em-up in the classic coin-op tradition but with all new mechanics. The goal is simple: to get the highest score possible. Standing in your way is a never ending horde of undead. To survive you must shoot, burn and explode as many zombies as possible before they overwhelm you.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 164 MB

Worms ($12.99)
Run for cover! The Worms are coming to PLAYSTATION 3, and this time they mean war! Battle up to three other players offline or online on one of six landscape themes, utilizing a selection of classic Worms weaponry: from the famed Bazooka to the devastating Banana Bomb. With a fine selection of single player battles and plenty of ways to customize your annelid army, it’s a package sky-high on entertainment!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 147 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet BUZZ! Mini-Pack ($1.99)
Look out everyone, LittleBigPlanet is getting BUZZED! Check out this new mini-pack filled with stickers from the popular Quiz Show franchise and a one-of-a-kind costume for fans of the craziest game show host around…Buzz!
File size: 1.04 MB

PAIN: El Chile Grande Character ($0.99)
Allow us to introduce a testosterone-filled wrestler from South of the border for you to dish out some PAIN with. Known only as “El Chile Grande”, this wrestler is ready to ready to throw some ‘bows and drop a knee or two on all those other pretenders who might fake their PAIN for no reason!
File size: 100 KB

Resistance 2 Aftermath Multiplayer Map Pack ($5.99)
Return to Twin Falls, Idaho and the lumberyard of Orick, California in the Resistance 2 Aftermath multiplatyer map packs!
Designed by Insomniac Games, these maps expand the unparalleled multiplayer experience on the PLAYSTATION 3 with new challenges and environments from some of the most popular stages in Resistance 2!
File size: 839 MB

Resistance 2 Skin Bundle ($3.99)
Purchase the Resistance 2 multiplayer skins together and save! This bundle offers up the Cloven, Ravager, Female Soldier, Rachael Parker, Ranger and alternate Black Ops skins in one complete package! For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 600 KB

Resistance 2 Black Ops Variation Multiplayer Skin ($0.99)
A camouflage variation of the Black Ops skin that is fully compatible with all human bangles. For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 100KB

Resistance 2 Cloven Multiplayer Skin ($0.99)
One of the most popular skins in Resistance: Fall of Man, this new cloven skin takes its inspiration from the Cloven found in Resistance: Retribution! For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 100KB

Resistance 2 Female Soldier Multiplayer Skin ($0.99)
One of the most demanded skins for Resistance 2, you can now play as a female soldier! For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 100KB

Resistance 2 Rachael Parker Multiplayer Skin ($0.99)
By popular demand, the narrator of Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance: Retribution becomes one of the first female skins for Resistance 2. For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 100KB

Resistance 2 Ranger Variation Multiplayer Skin ($0.99)
A variation of the ranger skin that is fully compatible with all human bangles. For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 100KB

Resistance 2 Ravager Multiplayer Skin ($0.99)
The most popular new Chimera from Resistance 2 is now available as a multiplayer skin! For use in competitive multiplayer.
File size: 100KB

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Defender of Earth Character Pack ($5.99)
This package file adds new custom characters Gordon, Jennifer, and Thursday
File size: 1.23 MB

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Item World Command Attack Mode ($3.99)
Compete against other players in the Command Attack Mode. The less commands you make per battle the higher the score. If you have a great score you might win a new character or item.
File size: 1.23 MB

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Character: Gordon ($1.99)
This package file adds a new custom character called Gordon from Disgaea.
File size: 1.22 MB

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Character: Jennifer ($1.99)
This package file adds a new custom character called Jennifer from Disgaea.
File size: 1.22 MB

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Character: Thursday ($1.99)
This package file adds a new custom character called Thursday from Disgaea.
File size: 1.22 MB

Tom Clancy’s EndWar Veteran Map Pack (free)
2 exclusive missions on new battlefields playable in skirmish mode for battle-hardened commanders. New missions include the assault on Russia’s Cosmodrome and the conquest of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Richton, Mississippi, USA.
File size: 212 MB

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2
Expand your Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 library by purchasing these tracks.

• (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life ($1.49)
• Dance, Dance ($1.49)
• I Love Rock N Roll ($1.49)
• Irresistible ($1.49)
• My Immortal ($1.49)
• Put Your Records On ($1.49)
• Spoonman ($1.49)
• Sweet Caroline ($1.49)
• The Joker and the Thief ($1.49)
• The Spirit of Radio ($1.49)
• Youth Gone Wild ($1.49)

Fle sizes: 15 MB - 58 MB

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

• “Black”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Deep”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Even Flow”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Garden”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Jeremy”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Master/Slave”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Oceans”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Once”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Porch”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Release”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• “Why Go”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
• Ten Album — Pearl Jam - ($17.99) - Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Ten (Album) – Pearl Jam. Some tracks in this album are instrument-only and cannot be played by vocalists. Please make sure you have the latest Rock Band update.

File sizes: 16 MB - 51 MB (singles), 382 MB (album)

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• “The James Bond Theme” performed by Richard Fortus ($1.99)
• “C-Lebrity” by Queen + Paul Rodgers ($1.99)
• “Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen ($1.99)
• “We Are The Champions” by Queen ($1.99)
• Queen Track Pack ($5.49) - Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “C-Lebrity” by Queen + Paul Rodgers and “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “We Are The Champions” by Queen. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File sizes: 36 MB - 45 MB (singles), 118 MB - 136 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 3/26 Edition
File sizes: 184 MB (HD) 312 MB (1080)

F.E.A.R. to F.E.A.R. 2 Trailer
File size: 97 MB

Meet the Red Alert 3: Ultimate Edition Dev Team
File size: 196 MB (1080)

Winter Dew Tour Videos (x8)
File size: 65 - 151 MB (HD), 96 - 256 MB (1080)

Black Freighter Bonus Clip Video
File size: 64 MB (SD)

Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers (free)

Seven Pounds Blu-ray Disc Trailer
File size: 68 MB (HD) 95 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes

PAIN: El Chile Grande Theme (free)
File size: 2.50 MB

MLB Team Themes - Pack 3 (x5) (includes Astros, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Dodgers and Marlins)
File sizes: 1.65 MB - 1.67 MB

Disgaea 3 - Defender of Earth Custom Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 2.31 MB

Celtic Maidens ($1.49)
File size: 4.22 MB

Gamer Girlz ($1.49)
File size: 5.47 MB

Chinese Fighting Dragons ($1.49)
File size: 6.06 MB

Arctic Penguins ($1.49)
File size: 5.10 MB

Wallpaper (free)

Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic Hip Wallpaper
File size: 210 KB

Tom Clancy’s EndWar European Federation Wallpaper (x4)
File sizes: 2.46 MB - 3.48 MB