As seen in Astro Bot: 10 PlayStation VIP Bot cameos and the games that inspired them

As seen in Astro Bot: 10 PlayStation VIP Bot cameos and the games that inspired them https://ift.tt/dH2tJaY

Having a blast with Astro Bot? I’m sure many of you are still working hard to rescue every last bot from the deepest reaches of space. I’m also sure that many of you have spotted a few PlayStation VIP bots that definitely look familiar… but maybe there are a few that you know you’ve seen before but either can’t quite remember where or are unaware of the historical context behind them. And maybe there are a couple that you don’t recall at all.

Astro Bot is packed with loving tributes to the global history and legacy of PlayStation spanning thirty years, so there were bound to be some deep cuts– so don’t feel too awkward if there’s a VIP you don’t recognize. What’s great is that, with a huge library of classic games available on PlayStation Store or PlayStation Plus Premium, it’s fun and easy to take an interactive history lesson to learn more about that oddball bot that caught your eye. Let’s take a look at some of the references of Astro Bot–and how you can play the games in the classic callbacks. 

Ape Escape

Just when you thought you’d rounded up all those darn dirty apes forever, they’re up to their old tricks again in Astro Bot! Ape Escape was an action/adventure game released in 1999 that made use of the recently introduced DualShock controller on the original PlayStation console. You were tasked with rounding up a gaggle of intelligent (?) apes causing mischief throughout time, and the DualShock was crucial to this, allowing you careful movement to approach and capture the naughty monkeys. Apes On The Loose – the Ape Escape-themed level at the end of the Gorilla Nebula – apes (pun intended) this gameplay quite nicely, requiring you to strategize how to capture all the stage’s raucous primate-bots effectively. 

Play the original Ape Escape at PlayStation Store and as part of PlayStation Plus Premium. 

Loco Roco 

Released on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2006, the strikingly colorful LocoRoco stood as one of the system’s marquee titles. The LocoRoco are a blob-like species that live in bright, singing harmony with the planet. When a malevolent force threatens this natural wonder, the LocoRoco fight it off the only way they know how–by rolling along with a smile and a song. When you reach the Going Loco level in Astro Bot at the end of the Camo Cosmos , you’ll be treated to a stage built to resemble Loco Roco’s signature rolling gameplay as you tilt and bounce your way through hazards–you can even press R2 to split into many tiny Astros and fit through small areas, just like in the original. 

If you missed this series, fear not– the original, Loco Roco 2, and LocoRoco Midnight Carnival are available at PlayStation Store and as part of PlayStation Plus Premium.

Patapon

Hidden away in one of the Lost Galaxy levels are some unique-looking VIP bots modeled on the Patapon, from the 2007 PSP game of the same name. Patapon (and its sequels on PSP) delivered a unique mix of rhythm and real-time strategy. The Patapons, a civilization of intelligent cyclopian creatures, have been long banished from their ancestral home. With the aid of their patron deity’s powerful warm drum, they march to reclaim their land from their enemies. By entering a series of button commands to the pounding drum rhythm, you command the Patapon tribe to attack, fall back, rush ahead, and more. 

Both Patapon and Patapon 2 are available at PlayStation Store and as part of PlayStation Plus Premium.

Everybody’s Golf/Hot Shots Golf — Pro Golfer

Golf is a game that can seem very intimidating, even in video game form. Developer Camelot took a different approach, eschewing the complexity and over-realism of other golf games for a pick-up-and-play experience that was easy to learn, played smoothly, and proved plenty fun in multiplayer. Everybody’s Golf (originally carrying the moniker of Hot Shots Golf in North America) proved to be a massive global hit, and developer Clap Hanz would take the reigns from from the sequel onwards. 

The latest installment is available at PlayStation Store and on PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, and it’s as enjoyable a golf experience as it ever was–but if you want that retro touch, you can always check out Hot Shots Golf and Hot Shots Golf 2 as well, both available on PlayStation Store and as part of PlayStation Plus Premium.

Mister Mosquito — Robotic Sucker

Eliminating pests is often a part of playing video games, but in the unique PlayStation 2 title Mister Mosquito from developer Zoom, you get to play the role of pest yourself! As the titular Mister Mosquito, you need to plan ahead to survive through the winter, and you’ve found a nice family home with plenty of fresh blood for the sucking. Unfortunately, the residents aren’t very happy about your freeloading. You’ll try to evade their notice and keep them calm–but be ready for grueling mosquito-versus human combat if you’re spotted! The PS2 is often remembered as a golden age for quirky, unique titles, and Mister Mosquito is definitely a fine example.

Mister Mosquito is available at PlayStation Store and as part of PlayStation Plus Premium.

Intelligent Qube 

I.Q.: Intelligent Qube stands as one of the original PlayStation’s most memorable puzzle games. A mysterious power wishes to test you, and so you stand on a mysterious grid as huge, intimidating cubes roll forward to push you into the abyss. You must predict how the cubes will approach and mark spots on the floor to eliminate them.  This novel concept came from outside of the typical game development pipeline, as it is the brainchild of Professor Masahiko Sato of the Tokyo University of the Arts. The amazing, epic-sounding music also deserves note–just don’t let it distract you from cube-busting.  

Both I.Q. and sequel, Kurushi Final: Mental Blocks, are available at PlayStation Store and PlayStation Plus Premium. 

Jumping Flash — Leaping Lapin

Jumping Flash, released in 1995, was many a lifelong PlayStation gamer’s first experience with the console (myself included). This unique first-person platformer tasks you with controlling Robbit, a super-powered machine built for jumping to absurd heights. He’s out to stop the devious Baron Aloha, a mad scientist whose scheme involves cutting up a planet for space resort development. Developers Exact and Ultra used the original PlayStation’s polygon-pushing power to create amazing environments, and the use of clever camera angles to make it easy to see where the high-jumping Robbit was landing made the game fun and approachable for those not used to navigating 3D space.

Jumping Flash is available at PlayStation Store and PlayStation Plus Premium. 

Vib-Ribbon — Ribbon Rider

Who’s this jaunty monochrome fellow modeled after? This bot takes after the odd little vector-line rabbit Vibri from the original PlayStation classic Vib Ribbon, released in Japan and Europe. Developed by esteemed rhythm game producer Masaya Matsuura and his team at NanaOn-Sha, Vib Ribbon was a novel action game that could take any music CD you inserted into a PlayStation and turn it into a challenging auto-scrolling action game with loop-de-loops, spikes, and other hazards. Since the game relies heavily on physical CDs, it’s not available digitally, but you can check out other great NanaOn-Sha classics like Parappa the Rapper. (He’s rockin’ out in Astro Bot, too.)

Wild Arms — Dream Chaser

Wild Arms was one of the earliest RPGs to make a splash on the PlayStation. It debuted in 1996 from developer Media.Vision and spawned a series with multiple sequels. It’s remembered for its unique Western-fantasy hybrid settings, strategic turn-based combat, and phenomenal soundtrack. The Dream Chaser bot represents the game’s hero, Rudy, who has the ability to control ancient weaponry known as ARMs. Together with his companions, the mercenary Jack and the princess Cecilia, Rudy goes on a quest through the world of Filgaia to stop the revival of an ancient mechanical monstrosity. If you’ve got a pang of nostalgia for classic PlayStation RPGs, keep your eyes peeled for call-outs to other titles like Suikoden and Alundra, too. 

Wild Arms is available at PlayStation Store and PlayStation Plus Premium. 

Devil Dice — Little Devil

One of the deepest cuts in Astro Bot has an interesting story behind it. Devil Dice, known in Japan as XI (pronounced “sai”), was a game concept that came from a contest held in Japan from 1995 to 1999 called Game Yarouze. Thus, independent developer Shift was given development and publishing assistance. Their game, Devil Dice, is a challenging 3D puzzle game where a little character in a funny devil suit matches sets of dice to clear them from the field. Between this and Intelligent Qube, puzzle cubes were something of a trend on the original PlayStation–for good reason, because both games are well worth checking out for puzzle game fans. You’ll see the clear nod to Devil Dice when rescuing the related VIP Bot in an isometric room filled with dice hidden away in Serpent Starway’s Slo-Mo Casino Stage.

“Venus Vacation PRISM – DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme -” Coming March 6th, 2025 & Available for Pre-order

“Venus Vacation PRISM – DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme -” Coming March 6th, 2025 & Available for Pre-order https://ift.tt/sDyaMIc

The new immersive romantic adventure game for consoles, “Venus Vacation PRISM – DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme,” is set to be released on March 6, 2025. Pre-orders for both the physical version and the digital version have begun today. More information about the Digital Deluxe Edition is available on the official website.

The recently released First Trailer showcases the six beautiful girls featured in the game, their intimate interactions, and heartwarming date scenes – all packed with charm into this unforgettable adventure.

Additionally, we have announced a collaboration with the popular illustrator “Yom.” In the Digital Deluxe Edition, players can enjoy costumes designed by Yom, and special episodes. To celebrate the release of this title, we have also unveiled original illustrations of Misaki and Nanami.

Experience true romance and a thrilling sense of closeness!

As the boss on the Venus Islands, where summer is everlasting, you will interact with the girls you encounter there. Your story with the girls will unfold based on the choices you make, resulting in a variety of outcomes. The heart-fluttering sensation caused by casual gestures, the thrill felt as you draw closer to your love interest, the worry about which girl to choose… Are you ready to experience true romance on the islands of everlasting summer?

The following are the 6 girls featured in this title.

・Misaki, the shy part-time staff, always by your side.

・Honoka, the comforting laid-back schoolgirl with a secret.

・Tamaki, the tempting mature and sexy beauty.

・Fiona, the love-struck naive princess.

・Nanami, the natural cool beauty that effortlessly draws attention.

・Elise, the strict yet cool and beautiful supervisor.

A wonderful romance awaits you at the Venus Islands.

Having multiple interactions with each of the girls will sometimes get you invited on dates. Gorgeous, vivid visuals and fully-voiced animations will make each date an enjoyable experience, as if the two of you are in your own world. The smiling face of a carefree girl, her profile as she watches the ocean waves in the evening, her eyes as she looks shyly up at you—each of these random moments can be photographed by you during your dates! Remember to keep your absolute favorite photograph as a memento of your date.

　More information will become available on the official website and on our social media channels. Please follow us for upcoming announcements!

Platform　　　PlayStation®5/PlayStation®4　

Genre　　　Immersive Romantic Adventure

Release Date　　　March 6^th, 2025

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD./KOEI TECMO TAIWAN CO., LTD. All rights reserved. 

Share of the Week: Ghosts and Ghouls

Share of the Week: Ghosts and Ghouls https://ift.tt/VU206Jj

Last week, we asked you to highlight ghosts and ghouls haunting your favorite games using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s spooky highlights:

crisg_art shares the Turtle Treasure’s Spirit from Black Myth: Wukong.

call_me_xavii shares a ghastly face from Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden.

lunar9p shares a ghost with long hair and a hat dressed in white from Ghostwire: Tokyo.

DexM_ds shares an undead skeletal archer from Demon’s Souls.

secondcapture shares a red-hooded skeletal figure from Mortal Shell.

AkiraAoyama_VP shares a floating Hiss from Control.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on November 6, 2024 

Next week, we’re Focusing in on Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Share epic moments from Aloy’s original adventure using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Death Note Killer Within launches Nov 5 as part of the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup

Death Note Killer Within launches Nov 5 as part of the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup  https://ift.tt/g2snOXx

Hi everyone! Today, we are thrilled to announce Death Note Killer Within, a brand new online social deduction game for up to 10 players where you can play as iconic characters from the Death Note franchise. The key to this game is the Death Note, for the human whose name is written in this note shall die! But beware, this deadly note lies hidden among you and the other players, setting the stage for a thrilling game of strategy and deception. Play as Kira and judge other players with the Death Note or play as L and gather clues to arrest the killer. Get ready to uncover the truth and outsmart your opponents to win.  

Death Note Killer Within is coming to both PS5 and PS4 on November 5, and is included in the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for November. 

Game overview

In Death Note Killer Within, there are four unique player roles: Kira, Kira Follower, L, and the Investigator. Players can select their desired role at the start of the game, but depending on various selection factors, the system will assign each player a final role based on availability. Players will be split into two teams: team Kira and Kira Followers, whose primary objective is to eliminate L, or team L and the Investigators, whose goal is to arrest Kira. 

The game progresses through two main phases: a cycle of Action Phase, where players can gather clues and complete their respective tasks, and a Meeting Phase, where players come together to discuss and attempt to arrest Kira based on suspicious behaviors during the Action Phase. 

If L is eliminated during the Action Phase, team Kira wins. However, if Kira is arrested during the Meeting Phase, the Death Note will be disposed of and Team L wins. Alternatively, by completing various objectives during the Action Phase, players can contribute to leveling up their team Progress gauge and the first team to max out their Progress gauge will win the game.

Player roles

If you are “Kira”, you will start with the Death Note and use it to eliminate NPCs and other players. However, to judge a player, you need an ID with the player’s real name. You can obtain this by staying close to a target for a short amount of time, but don’t act too suspicious or you will be questioned during the Meeting Phase.

As a “Kira Follower”, your job is to steal Investigators’ IDs and work secretly together with Kira, communicating privately with a Transceiver. In addition, the Death Note can be transferred between Kira and a Kira Follower so even you can become the next Kira! Make the transfer at the right time to deceive other players.

“Investigators” play an important role in identifying the real Kira as they gather clues to support the deduction. Be aware of suspicious players who get too close to you as your ID might get stolen if they are Kira or a Kira Follower. Investigators also carry out objectives such as asking NPCs for testimonials, which helps reveal information about Kira. 

If you become “L”, unlike normal investigators, he has special actions that enable him to obtain valuable information during the Action Phase, such as commanding other players to investigate and setting up surveillance cameras. L can also facilitate discussion in the Meeting Phase to narrow down suspicious players. Strategically use your special actions to take one step closer in uncovering the truth and arrest Kira.

To win, you must work together

Death Note Killer Within encourages players to work together as a team to accomplish their goals. Each of the four roles has its own gameplay characteristics. Depending on your assigned role, a wide range of strategies can be formulated, and each randomized scenario develops into a high-stakes game of tactics.

For example, the Death Note can be transferred between Kira and Kira Follower, allowing them to misdirect investigators. L can narrow down suspects by giving instructions during the Action Phase and guiding discussions during the Meeting Phase to efficiently advance his team’s deductions.

Investigate and deceive in style

Customize your game avatar with hats, glasses, masks and various accessories to stand out from the crowd. But that’s not all, you can even choose a custom nameplate and select special animations to be displayed during key moments in the game.

Let’s get the deduction party started!

Death Note Killer Within is coming to both PS5 and PS4 on November 5, 2024 and will support both online cross-play and voice chat. Invite your friends and challenge each other in different roles to see who has the wits to successfully deceive other players and win the game.

On launch day, the game will also be available to PlayStation Plus members as part of November’s Monthly Games, so be sure to check it out! 

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for November: Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Death Note Killer Within

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for November: Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Death Note Killer Within https://ift.tt/rjoZNiX

Take big risks on the smallest tracks for pole position glory, join forces with a spectral entity to survive supernatural forces on the streets of Tokyo and team up with friends to identify the opposition with the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for November. Racer Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged, horror adventure Ghostwire: Tokyo and online social deduction game Death Note Killer Within launch November 5, with Death Note Killer Within launching day and date into PlayStation Plus – you can read more about it in this dedicated PS Blog post.  

Let’s take a closer look at each game in turn. 

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged | PS4, PS5 

Race over 130 vehicles, including Hot Wheels Originals, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, motorbikes and ATVs, each with their unique racing style, across multiple game modes and amazing environments. Upgrade vehicles with a dedicated skill tree that will directly affect their performance. Discover 5 brand new locations, master their secrets, and you’ll feel right at home both there and on the podium. Alternatively create the track of your dreams with the powerful Track Editor, or use the best creations from the community.

Ghostwire: Tokyo | PS5

Tokyo is overrun by deadly supernatural forces as a dangerous occultist causes the city’s population to vanish in an instant. Join forces with a powerful spectral entity on their quest for vengeance and master a powerful arsenal of abilities to unravel the dark truth behind the disappearance as you face the unknown in Ghostwire: Tokyo. 

Death Note Killer Within | PS4, PS5 

Death Note Killer Within is an online social deduction game for up to 10 players. Players will be split into two teams with different objectives. To win the game, players will need to figure out each other’s identities and either eliminate L who threatens Kira’s power or seize the Death Note. Enjoy a battle of wits as Kira and his followers, or as L and the investigators in the world of Death Note. As equally matched opponents, the two teams clash to control the game while hiding their true identities from each other. The Death Note is hidden among the players, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse until one team overpowers the other. Each role has its own characteristics, allowing you to master a deep sense of strategy and tactical play. Depending on your assigned role, a wide range of strategies can be formulated, and each randomized scenario develops into a high-stakes game of tactics.

Last chance to download October’s games

PlayStation Plus members have until November 4 to add WWE 2K24, Dead Space and Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! to their game libraries.

*All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on November 5 until December 2.

**PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup.