by Konami
197 days in the top 100 Platform:
PlayStation 3
(136)Buy new:
68 used & new from $21.24
(Visit the Bestsellers in PlayStation 3 list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
Product Images
Review & Description
Castlevania – Lords of Shadow is a dark and vivid new re-imagining of the Castlevania mythology. It is the end of days and ungodly powers isolate the Earth. The worlds’ alliance with the heavens has been threatened by a dark and malevolent force – the mysterious Lords of Shadow. Across this shattered land, the souls of the dead wander unable to find peace, whilst creatures of evil wreak chaos and death upon the living. Gabriel Belmont is a member of the Brotherhood of Light, an elite group of holy knights who protect and defend the innocent against the supernatural. His beloved wife was brutally murdered by the evil forces of darkness and her soul trapped for eternity. Neither living nor dead she realizes the horrific truth of what is at stake and guides Gabriel to his destiny – and hopefully salvation for the world.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a single player Action-Adventure game developed as a reimagining of the classic Castlevania mythology. An entirely modern action console game, Lords of Shadow combines fast-paced weapons and magic based combat against otherworldly enemies, with platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay, to create a fresh gameplay experience that will thrill both fans of the original game series and gamers more rooted in modern action games.
Story
It is the end of days and ungodly powers isolate the Earth. The worlds' alliance with the heavens has been threatened by a dark and malevolent force - the mysterious Lords of Shadow. Across this shattered land, the souls of the dead wander unable to find peace, whilst creatures of evil wreak chaos and death upon the living.
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Gabriel Belmont is a member of the Brotherhood of Light, an elite group of holy knights who protect and defend the innocent against the supernatural. His beloved wife was brutally murdered by the evil forces of darkness and her soul trapped for eternity. Neither living nor dead she realizes the horrific truth of what is at stake and guides Gabriel to his destiny – and hopefully salvation for the world.
Gameplay
Although based on the classic arcade side-scrolling platformer and the string of games that have followed over the years, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a modern single player Action-Adventure game played from the third-person perspective. Based around the tragic past and seemingly inescapable destiny of the Gabriel Belmont character, the player engages in a mix of combat, platforming and puzzle-solving skills. To deal with the hell-spawned beasties and bosses encountered, Gabriel uses a mix of upgradable weaponry and magical powers. Weapons range from a cross that can be extended into a whip with grapple capabilities, to a gauntlet, knives and more. As players wield these they will gain access to energy orbs that reveal themselves as enemies are dispatched. This energy is stored in on-screen gauges and powers multiple kinds of usable magic within the game. Some of its uses involved improve attacks, while the other aids reflect regenerative health. It is the players choice to juggle where these energies are applied. The availability of energy can also be increased by avoiding the attacks of enemies as you battle them, with the payoff coming when they are bested.
In addition to run of the mill bad guys, the game contains loads of huge bosses, success against which requires patience, attention to screen prompts and timing. The player will also come up against many other creatures that although vulnerable to weapons can also be defeated and tamed by Gabriel. In many cases these can then be used as mounts and used either in boss battles or in puzzle-solving scenarios that may not be able to be solved without them. These potential mounts include wargs, spiders, warthogs and more. Taken together, all of these elements make for an entirely new take on the Castlevania gaming experience that is destined to satisfy new and current fans alike.
Key Game Features
- A brand new Castlevania game with state of the art graphics and high production standards to deliver an awesome game experience for PlayStation 3.
- High caliber voice acting from the game's stunning cast, with Gabriel voiced by Robert Carlyle (28 Weeks Later, Trainspotting, The Full Monty and Stargate Universe), and Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: Next Generation) as the mysterious Zobek. Natasha McElhone (The Other Boleyn Girl, Californication, The Truman Show) and Jason Isaacs (Black Hawk Down, The Patriot, Harry Potter series) round off the talent.
- Developed by Spanish studio Mercury Steam and supervised by world renowned Kojima Productions.
- Intense combat action game with powerful magic system that takes the series back to its roots but with all new game play features that utilize the full power of the PlayStation 3.
- Immerse into a brand-new storyline that new comers to the Castlevania franchise will relish, while existing fans will appreciate on a deeper level with the introduction of characters and tangential side stories that pay homage to what has come before.
- Overcome obstacles using the Combat Cross multifunction weapon and hone your platforming skills in this sprawling adventure. Swing across chasms, climb sheer walls, rappel down cliffs, grip and pull away any and all things that lay in your path.
- Solve devious puzzles along your journey that unlock new items in which to improve your chances of success. Leave no stone unturned as you never know what you might find.
- Take on behemoth enemies that scale to the size of complete world environments and where special attacks and cunning speed are required for advancement.
- Use secondary weapons like daggers and holy water and combine them with light and dark magic for a wealth of powerful attacks to unleash upon your foes. Manage your spells as power comes at a price.
- Explore gothic ruins, dark castles, old forests and frozen wastelands. Discover a whole world to investigate with many routes and hidden secret places that contain items to aid Gabriel on his quest.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
MX vs ATV Alive
by THQ
Platform:
Xbox 360Release Date: May 10, 2011
Buy new:
7 used & new from $37.00
(Visit the Hot New Releases in Xbox 360 list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
Product Images
Review & Description
Own the competition as you wrestle for position with tightly contested racing in the fifth iteration of the MX vs ATV franchise. Feel the realism of the revolutionary real-world physics engine which has defined the racing genre. Live the sport as Alive captures the spectacle of motocross and the essence of competitive racing while providing the best riders and gear from the latest manufacturers.
MX Vs ATV Alive is a multiplayer motocross game for Next-Gen game consoles. Own the competition as you wrestle for position with tightly contested racing in the fifth iteration of the MX Vs ATV franchise. Feel the realism of the revolutionary real-world physics engine which has defined the racing genre. Live the sport as Alive captures the spectacle of motocross and the essence of competitive racing while providing the best riders and gear from the latest manufacturers. Features include: real riders and gear, extensive downloadable content, multiplayer support both locally and online, enhanced Rider Reflex, a new Bar Banging system and more.
The Ultimate Motocross Racing Experience
MX vs. ATV Alive is simply the best MX vs. ATV game yet developed. Building on the franchise's physics engine, MX vs. ATV Alive delivers an enhanced racing experience that is easier to play, yet as challenging as you choose to make it. The difference is the approach to features like modes and tracks. Along with classic modes that everyone loves, Alive allows gamers to more easily tailor the game to their specific play style and likes via downloadable content. Can't get enough of a certain mode? Get online and pull down more of that content. Instead of the game developers deciding how much of each mode that you play, the choice is yours. MX vs. ATV Alive also has a dedicated online store that is live from day one, containing everything from rider gear, tracks, modes, etc.
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Key Game Features
- Definitive Realism
- Experience total control of both rider and bike with easier controls as part of the enhanced Rider Reflex
- An advanced real-time deformation continuously changes the track beneath you with every lap
- Wreck-avoidance lets you correct collisions and landings to race like a pro
- Elbow-To-Elbow Action
- Go bar-to-bar with in-your-face motocross racing
- Rider-to-Rider collisions and win/loss conditions through a new bar banging system
- Awe-inspiring Sports Experience
- Real riders, real gear, and real licensor's to be announced
- A wide range of vehicles
- Event Types
- Compete in the Nationals and claim the Motocross Championship title
- Additional event types to be announced
- Multiplayer - Race against a friend in local play or take on all comers in 2-12 online multiplayer action
Additional Screenshots
 Real riders and licensed gear. View larger. |  12 rider online multiplayer. View larger. |  A new bar banging system. View larger. |  Loads of downloadable content. View larger. |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Virtua Tennis 4
by Sega Of America, Inc.
Platform:
PlayStation 3Release Date: May 10, 2011
Buy new:
3 used & new from $32.49
(Visit the Hot New Releases in PlayStation 3 list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
Review & Description
VIRTUA TENNIS 4 (PS3)
Virtua Tennis 4 is a tennis simulation game featuring 22 of the current top male and female players from the ATP and WTA tennis tours. Along with classic Virtua Tennis tournament style action, Virtua Tennis 4 for PlayStation 3 features full PlayStation Move functionality, allowing players to experience the game at an even higher level as they swing through forehands, backhands, serves, overheads and more, just as if they were on court. Additional features include: Stereoscopic 3D technology, new online matchmaking and tournament play, a brand-new world tour and more.
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Take a Swing with PlayStation Move
The best-selling tennis series is back in time for the lion's share of the Grand Slam season with revolutionary new features and an all-star lineup. And with the PlayStation 3 version of the game the developers of the original Virtua Tennis are taking the world of competitive tennis to a new level using evolutionary 3D support and PlayStation Move functionality. With these innovative technologies, players will compete in true 1:1 motion compatibility for the first time.
The Top Players of Today's Game
Virtua Tennis 4 features 40 breathtaking courts from around with world as well as 22 of the world's top tennis stars from the ATP and WTA tour rosters. A sampling of players include men's Grand Slam champions and contenders like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro, Andy Murray and Gael Monfils, as well as Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Anna Ivanovic from the women's side of the draw. All will play their hearts out for a shot at the championship title, in dramatic TV-style camera action. A brand new Career Mode promises hours of fun in the quest for the top ranking, while the new online hub will be the go-to place for fans who want to compete with other Virtua Tennis stars from around the world.
Key Game Features
- Stereoscopic 3D – The all-new 3D experience looks stunning and immerses players in the competition.
- PlayStation Move – Full 1:1 compatibility with PlayStation Move recognizes every movement of the motion controller for a true-to-life tennis experience.
- New Online Center – Players challenge each other from around the world using online matchmaking and tournament play.
- Match Momentum - This brand new on-court feature makes for more dramatic matches. In building up their Match Momentum gauge over the course of a match, players revel in their improved abilities and confidence.
- Mini-Games – The crazy Virtua Tennis series' signature mini-games are now in available in multiplayer mode and online.
- Brand New World Tour – Players take their customizable tennis pros into the big leagues where every decision they make affects their career path.
- All-Star Lineup. of 22 Players – Includes Nadal, Federer, Murray, Sharapova, Williams, Djokovic, Ivanovic, Del Potro, Wozniacki and more
Additional Screenshots
 Brand new world tour. View larger. |  Classic Virtua Tennis mini-games. View larger. |  Realistic on-court skill sets. View larger. |  22 current and rising stars. View larger. |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Yoostar 2: In The Movies
by Yoostar Entertainment
Platform:
Xbox 360
(24)Release Date: March 8, 2011
Buy new:
18 used & new from $39.00
(Visit the Hot New Releases in Xbox 360 list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
Review & Description
Yoostar2 brings the magic and fun of Hollywood to your living room. Using your Kinect for Xbox 360 or your PlaystationEye, you can insert yourself into famous movie and TV scenes, starring alongside or in place of your favorite actors. Perform the lines as written, or improvise and deliver your own improvisation. After you've finished, Yoostar scores your performance, and you can upload your scene to Yoostar2's in-game social portal, PS Network, Xbox 360 Live, Yoostar.com and Facebook. Yoostar2 is a fantastic party game that will appeal to both hardcore and casual players. Yoostar2 comes with 50 Movie Scenes, 10 Hollywood Sets and 20 Video Backgrounds, with hundreds more scenes available for purchase and download in the online store. The Yoostar2 library includes: Current hits like The Hangover, Tropic Thunder, Meet The Fockers, 300 and Kick Ass; Modern classics like “The Godfather” and “Rocky”; All-time classics like “Casablanca,” and “The Wizard of Oz”; Popular TV shows such as “ Star Trek”, “ Mad Men”, and “CSI”. Over 1,200 actors are already on board with Yoostar, including superstars like Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Gerard Butler, Cameron Diaz, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many more.
The camera's rolling. The lights are blasting down from all directions. You've only got one chance to get this right and prove you're the right actor for this movie. Your co-star finishes his line and all eyes turn to you. With a deep breath, you begin your performance. Gesturing with your hands, turning your head thoughtfully to the side, delivering every line with gusto, you're pretty sure you nailed it. You smile timidly, awaiting your critique. It's tough to be a movie star, but someone has to do it. Why not you?
Synopsis
In the interactive phenomenon, Yoostar 2: In the Movies, use the Kinect sensor to project yourself right into your favorite movie and TV scenes. With 50 scenes to choose from, you can perform in current hits, including The Hangover, Tropic Thunder, Meet the Fockers and 300, or try your talent in modern and all-time classics, including The Godfather, Rocky, Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz. If the small-screened world of television is more your style, act out scenes from popular TV shows, including Star Trek, Mad Men, and CSI. Your performance is scored on accuracy and overall performance, allowing for improvisation that draws on your creativity. A variety of modes offer single- and two-player challenges that you can share with friends and the Yoostar 2 community as you try to prove you've got the stuff to make it in Hollywood.
Key Features:
- Become a Hollywood star without ever leaving your living room by using the Kinect to digitally hop into your favorite movie and TV scenes (Kinect not included)
- Perform the lines as written or improvise to take the scene in a hilarious new direction
- Your performance is scored on accuracy and overall performance, with an allowance for improvisation that draws on your creativity
- Star in 50 scenes from popular movies, including The Hangover, Tropic Thunder, Meet the Fockers, 300, The Godfather, Rocky, Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz
- Act out scenes from TV shows, including Star Trek, Mad Men and CSI
- 10 Hollywood sets and 20 video backgrounds enhance your performances
- Challenge mode gives you a progression of scene challenges that can open up additional areas on the road to Hollywood
- Quick Play mode strings together up to five single- or two-player scenes in a row for fast-action fun
- Upload your completed scene to Xbox Live, Yoostar.com or Facebook to share with friends
- Earn awards, share videos and rate other players' performances to increase your Fame within the Yoostar 2 community
- Yoostar.com provides contests, leaderboards, how-to videos for improving your performance and much more