Late last year we opened up an opportunity for anyone who “liked” Games Thirst on Facebook to win a PS Vita/Uncharted: Golden Abyss Bundle, and today, the same day it launched, we have a winner.

Sadly, it’s not someone from the site! (that’s just terrible), and I suspect the person might not even be a gamer, but the winner of our contest is Alphina Bontiff. I actually know the girl! If I didn’t know better I’d reshuffle the names, but fair is fair, so we must stick to the promised rules.

We’ll ship Alphina’s portable console asap to the address given and who knows, she might just get into gaming.

Here’s her profile.

Again, sorry guys, I was rooting for Ghost, Caribbean Clank and Foxton.

Don’t worry, we’ll do this again.

It’s been a year since Killzone 3 was released on February 22nd, 2011, and to celebrate, Guerrilla Games are prepping some double XP goodness in March. I personally cannot wait, as Killzone 3′s my favorite shooter of all time.

“Has it been one year already? In honor of Killzone 3′s first anniversary, we’re organizing a Double XP Weekend in early march. Exact date to follow!” wrote the developer on its Facebook page.

We’ve held many a Games Thirst Game Night featuring Killzone 3 around these parts, and when March comes about, we’ll do it again.

What if you could only play the games of one developer/publisher for the rest of your life, who would it be? I know, it’d be a devastating curse, but hey, I know who I’d choose. Let’s talk. Do It Here: The Official Games Thirst Elixir.

If the US PS Store update was good, EU’s is great, as Sony’s made available great demos and other content, including Starhawk’s open beta. Catch the full quencher below the cut.

PlayStation Network New Content
PS3 Games

Just Dance 3 (£29.99/€39.99)
Smash ‘N’ Survive (£9.99/€12.99)
Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X 2 (£19.99/€29.99)
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record (£14.99/€19.99)
Availability: Not available in Germany

Might & Magic Clash of Heroes + DLC (£13.99/€17.99)
Quizball Goal! (£7.99/€9.99)
Motorstorm RC (£4.79/€5.99)
Demos
Starhawk Beta Trial
Availability: Not available in Germany*

*Available to PS Plus members

SSX Demo
Downloadable Content
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Noel’s Outfit: Spacetime Guardian (£1.59/€1.99)
Serah’s Outfit: Beachwear (£1.59/€1.99)
The King of Fighters XIII – Unlock Key (£5.49/€6.99)
NeverDead – Extension Pack Vol.01 (£3.19/€3.99)
Rock Band 3
-Megadeth Pack 01 (£2.49/€3.99)

(Includes the following content, also available separately)

-A Tout Le Monde (£0.99/€1.49)

-Public Enemy No. 1 (£0.99/€1.49)

-Symphony Of Destruction (£0.99/€1.49)

Availability: Not available in Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, India, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

Rock Band Network
-The Epic, Part 3.7 (Rbn Remix) – Bankai (£0.59/€0.79)

-Still Alive -Jonathan Coulton Ft. Sara Quin (£0.99/€1.49)

-My Frailty – After the Burial (£0.99/€1.49)

-Lethean Tears – Solution .45 (£0.59/€0.79)

-V Is For Vampire – Powerman 5000 (£0.99/€1.49)

Availability: Not available in Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, India, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

Saints Row: The Third – Gangstas In Space (£4.49/€5.49)
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 – Viewtiful Strange Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Uncharted 3 – Flashback Map Pack (£6.49/€7.99)
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? – STAR TREK: The Original Series – Special Edition (£3.99/€4.99)
WWE 12
-The Miz’s Awesome Attires (£0.59/€0.75)

-The Rock (£0.59/€0.75)

PS2 Classics
Need For Speed Most Wanted (£7.99/€9.99)
Hawk Superbike Racing (£5.49/€6.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Operation Air Assault (£5.49/€6.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Pacific Air Warriors II (£5.49/€6.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Raceway: Drag & Stock Racing (£3.99/€4.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Snowboard Racer 2 (£3.99/€4.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Sonic Heroes (£7.99/€9.99)
Steel Dragon Ex (£3.99/€4.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Truck Racing 2 (£3.99/€4.99)
Availability: Not available in Belgium, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Ukraine

Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution (£7.99/€9.99)
Availability: All Locales

Peter Pan Return To Neverland (£7.99/€9.99)
minis (PS3/PSP)
Knight Fortix 2 (£2.49/€2.99)
Availability: Not available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

Alien Havoc & Bubble Trubble Bundle (£3.39/€3.99)
Grip Games Triple Pack (£1.99/€2.49)
Freeshot Frenzy (£2.49/€2.99)
Availability: Not Available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

PlayStation Plus
Members can receive 50% off each of the following titles:

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Offers end on 29th February 2012.

Special Offer Selection
L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass DLC Bundle (Was £8.99/€11.25 – Now £7.29/€8.99)
GTA IV Episodes Bundle DLC Bundle (Was £15.99/€19.99 – Now £10.99/€13.99)
Burnout Paradise DLC Bundle (Was £15.99/€19.99 – Now £11.99/€14.99)
Additonal Plus discount of 20%

Crysis 2 DLC – Decimation DLC Bundle (Was £7.99/€9.99 – Now £5.49/€6.99)
Additonal Plus discount of 20%

Crysis 2 DLC – Retaliation DLC Bundle (Was £7.99/€9.99 – Now £5.49/€6.99)
Additonal Plus discount of 20%

Half-Minute Hero (Was £11.99/€14.99 – Now £6.49/€7.99)*
Harvest Moon Hero of Leaf Valley (Was £23.99/€29.99 – Now £11.99/€14.99)*
Harvest Moon Innocent Life (Was £9.99/€12.99 – Now £5.19/€6.49)*
Valhalla Knights (Was £9.99/€12.99 – Now £5.19/€6.49)*
Valhalla Knights 2 (Was £11.99/€14.99 – Now £6.49/€7.99)*
Valhalla Knights 2 Current Battle Stance (Was £15.99/€19.99 – Now £7.99/€9.99)*
*PS Plus members receive an additional 10% Discount.

Price Drops
L.A. Noire (PS3) (Was £31.99/€39.99 – Now £23.99/€29.99)
L.A. Noire Complete Bundle (PS3) (Was £39.99/€49.99 – Now £31.99/€39.99)
Crazy Taxi (PS3) (Was £7.99/€9.99 – Now £6.49/€7.99)

Avatars
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Dian Wei) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Guan Yu) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Lu Xun) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Sima Shi) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Sima Yi) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Xiahou Dun) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Yueying) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Zhao Yun) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Zhen Ji) (£0.40/€0.49)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar Icon (Zhou Yu) (£0.40/€0.49)

Themes
Toy Harbor Theme (£1.59/€1.99)
Tokyo Life Theme (£1.59/€1.99)
White Cliffs of Dover (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic mystique energy theme (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic orange tree theme (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic red beach theme (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic waterfall rainbow theme (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic white tiger theme (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic Anime Theme 1 (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic Anime Theme 2(£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic Gangsters Theme 1 (£1.59/€1.99)
Dynamic motocross theme (£1.59/€1.99)
PSP Lost in Harajuku Static Theme by Esther Kim (£0.79/€0.99)

Videos (PS3)
Access 22
Grand Slam Tennis 2 Producer Video
Ica File Diana Burnwood (Not available in Germany)
Mass Effect 3 Vo Cast Trailer
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance World-Premiere Trailer (Extended Version)
Reckoning & Mass Effect 3 Cross-Over Trailer (Not available in Germany)
Reckoning Launch Trailer (Not available in Germany)
Reorc Triple Impact Trailer

Sony’s updated the U.S. PS Store with a plethora of content, notables being the SSX demo, THQ DLC and of course, PlayStation Vita content. The full quencher’s after the break.

PlayStation Plus

PSN Games:
- Sega Genesis Bundle
- Altered Beast
- Comix Zone
- Golden Axe
- Sonic 1
- Sonic 2
- Streets of Rage 2

Avatars and Themes:
- Start The Party 2 Dynamic Theme

Discounts:
- Crazy Taxi & SEGA Rally Arcade – Drive Me Crazy Bundle – 20% off (PS+ Price $9.59)
- Sonic Rivals 1 – 25% off (PS+ Price $5.99)
- Sonic Rivals 2 – 25% off (PS+ Price $5.99)
- Sar – Search and Rescue Mini – 20% off (PS+ Price $TBD)
- Hamilton’s Great Adventure – 50% off Sale Price (PS+ Price $2.50)

PS Vita Games

Augmented Reality – Cliff Diving (Free)
Augmented Reality – Table Soccer (Free)
Augmented Reality – Fireworks (Free)
Hustle Kings ($9.99)
Ben 10 Galactic Racing (Digital) ($29.99)
Shinobido 2: Revenge Of Zen (Digital) ($34.99)
Touch My Katamari (Digital) ($24.99)
Plants Vs Zombies ($14.99)
Army Corps Of Hell (Digital) ($39.99)
Dynasty Warriors Next (Digital) ($34.99)
TALES FROM SPACE: MUTANT BLOBS ATTACK ($7.99)

PS Vita Add-Ons

BlazBlue: CSE – System Voice Arrange Noel Type-A, Type-B ($5.99)
Hustle Kings Snooker Pack ($2.99)
Hustle Kings Time Savers Pack ($1.49)
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 Add-Ons x9 ($3.99 Each)
ModNation Racers: Road Trip – Unlock All Code ($5.99)
UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss Treasure Map Pack ($0.99)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Online Pass ($9.99)
Wipeout 2048 Online Pass ($9.99)

PS Vita Apps

Live Tweet
Flickr
Netflix
PS3 Full Games
Mafia II ($19.99)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II ($19.99)

Game Demos (free)
SSX Demo
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Demo
Shank 2 Demo

Add-on Game Content

EyePet & Friends Add ons (x10) ($0.69 – $2.99)
Blazblue: Cse – System Voice Arrange Noel Type-A, Type-B (PS3 DLC) ($5.99)
Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 – Viewitful Strange Pack ($3.99)
SSX: Online Pass (Paid) ($9.99)
The King Of Fighters XIII Unlock All ($6.99)
Neverdead – Expansion Pack #1 ($3.99)v
Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 add ons (Free – $0.99)
Dynasty Warriors 7 – Legend Stage Pack 1 ($3.99)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Xtreme Legends – Legend Stage Pack 1 ($2.99)
Dynasty Warriors 7 – Xtreme Stage Pack 3 ($3.99)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Xtreme Legends – Xtreme Stage Pack 3 ($2.99)
Saints Row: The Third – Gangstas In Space ($6.99)
Rocksmith – Blink 182 Song Pack (Bundle) ($7.99)
Rocksmith – All The Small Things By Blink-182 ($2.99)
Rocksmith – Dammit By Blink 182 ($2.99)
Rocksmith – What’S My Age Again? By Blink 182 ($2.99)
Rock Band 3
“A Tout Le Monde” – Megadeth ($1.99)
“Public Enemy No. 1″ – Megadeth ($1.99)
“Symphony of Destruction” – Megadeth ($1.99)
“Lethean Tears” – Solution .45 ($0.99)
“My Frailty” – After the Burial ($1.99)
“Still Alive” – Jonathan Coulton ft. Sara Quin ($1.99)
“The Epic, Part 3.7″ – Bankai ($0.99)
“V is for Vampire” – Powerman 5000 ($1.99)

PS2 Classic
Full Spectrum Warrior Ten Hammers ($9.99)

Bundles

Costume Quest Pack Bundle ($9.99)
Apples To Apples Complete Pack Bundle ($9.99)
Voltron: Defender Of The Universe Complete Pack Bundle ($9.99)
Sega Genesis Bundle ($19.99)
Stacking Complete Pack ($12.99)
Red Faction: Armageddon Franchise Compilation Bundle Sale ($57.49)
Red Faction: Armageddon Complete Pack Bundle Sale ($39.99)
Red Faction: Guerrilla Complete Pack Bundle Sale ($31.49)
You Don’t Know Jack: Jack Pack Content Sale ($9.99)
Drive Me Crazy Racing Bundle Sale ($11.99)

Music
ModNation Racers: Road Trip Official Soundtrack ($9.99)

PSP minis
Hungry Giraffe – Minis ($3.49)
Touchdown Fever – Minis ($2.99)

PSP Bundles
Grip Games Triple Pack ($2.99)

Updates

NBA 2K12 Legends Showcase (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Darksiders Game (Ps3 Full Game) (Sale) (Now $9.99, original price $19.99)
De Blob: 2 (Ps3 Full Game) Sale (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Hamilton’S Great Adventure (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Crazy Taxi (Sale) (PS3) (now $7.99, original price $9.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad Digital – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Mx Vs Atv Untamed Umd Legacy – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Mx Vs. Atv Reflex Digital -Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Spongebob Squarepants: Yellow Avenger Umd Legacy – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2010 Digital – Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $39.99)
5-In-1 Arcade Hits – Minis (Price Change) (PS3) (now $1.99, original price $3.99)
Blimp: The Flying Adventures – Minis (Price Change) (PS3) (now $1.49, original price $4.99)
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars (Sale) (PSP) (now $4.99, original price $15.99)
Crush (Sale) (PSP) (now $4.99, original price $15.99)
Sonic Rivals 1 & 2 Bundle (Sale) (PSP) (now $12.99, original price $29.99)
Worms: Battle Islands (Sale) (PS3) (now $8.49, original price $24.99)
UFC Undisputed 2010 Digital – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $39.99)
Homefront Complete Pack Bundle (sale) (PS3) (now $23.99, original price $34.99)

Game Videos (free)

Qore Episode 45L February, 2012
The Tester Season 3 Episode 3
PlayStation Vita Launch Video
PlayStation Vita Cross Platform Play
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Flashback Map Pack #2 Trailer
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Flashback Map Pack #1 Trailer
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Fort Co-Op Adventure Trailer
The Darkness II – Launch Trailer
Darksiders 2 – Death Lives Trailer
Hitman: Absolution – Ica File Diana Burnwood Trailer
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Combat Trailer
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Story Trailer
Mass Effect 3 Reinstated – FemShep Trailer
Mass Effect 3 Special Forces Trailer
Mass Effect 3 VO Cast Trailer

Avatars and Themes

MLB 11 The Show Avatars (x9) ($0.49 each)
Asura’s Wrath Asura Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)
Fast Five Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Dynamic Azmodeus Dark Angel Aldonia ($2.99)
Dynamic Blue Dream Theme 2 ($2.99)
Brisk Wars Darth Maul Theme (Free)
Brisk Wars Yoda Theme (Free)
SSX Theme 1 (Free)

A listing on Xbox Live Marketplace has inadvertently leaked Mass Effect 3 DLC dubbed ‘From Ashes’, and in the process, spoiled the plot for many. Details below.

Mass Effect 3: From Ashes was released February 20th, (we think by accident), will ostensbly allow players to “unearth lost secrets from the past” and enlist a member of the game’s Prothean race. In light of the leak, Bioware’s gone on and confirm the content’s existence, adding that more information will be made available soon.

“Hi all!

We’re happy to confirm that Mass Effect 3: From Ashes DLC will be available at launch for all platforms. For those of you who have purchased the N7 Collector’s Edition (including the PC Digital Deluxe Edition), you will get this content at no extra charge. We’ll have a lot more details for you later this week! Stay Tuned!” said BioWare Associate Producer Michael Gamble through Bioware.com.

Thanks, Kotaku.

Before Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was released, there was another title in the works. It was a third-person spin off nine months into development before Activision decided to coffin the title.

Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade began its journey back in 2007, and the studio had prepared a 15-minute demo of the squad-based shooter set in Italy for Activision is review. It was to be a slow-paced game, with squad commands. Sadly, Activision cancelled the project when it merged with Vivendi in 2007.

Thing is, the reception from the demo was actually positive, however the game was still cancelled. Why? “We were ready for our final green light just as the merger with Vivendi/Blizzard was announced. As is normal in a merger, you do everything you can to clean up your balance sheet,” said the game’s lead designer Kyle Brink – who now works at SEGA.

“A studio that isn’t in full production on a title with major revenue attached to it, which is about to ask for tens of millions in development dollars, is a great candidate for closure at that point.

Was this also a way to keep [Infinity Ward] happy after they had just produced Modern Warfare and made a hojillion dollars? Perhaps, but nobody ever put it to us that way.”

The studio, hich included Far Cry 3 creative director Jason VandenBerghe, has been redirected to other projects.

Cancelled COD by u64backup

Thanks, Verge.

Battlefield 3: Aftershock was only released earlier this month on the App Store, but EA’s already pulled the free download sponsored by military film Act of Valor. The game featured one map and four weapons, and is multiplayer-only. But after the average review was 2.5 stars from customers, with complaints ranging from terrible controls and inability to connect online, EA decided to remove the app.

Here’s what the firm had to say in a statement:

“EA Mobile is committed to delivering mobile entertainment experiences that are on par with the content and quality users have come toexpect from their favorite EA gaming brands. To this end, we have decided to remove Battlefield 3: Aftershock from the App Store and are currently re-evaluating the app in response to the consumer feedback we’ve received. We thank all the fans who have downloaded the game to date.”

A fully fledged Battlefield game is set to hit the App Store later this year.

After months of advertising and hype, Sony’s PS Vita is now available in stores across the U.S. and Europe, are you in or out?

As for sales, Sony Computer Entertainment America boss Jack Tretton told IGN that Sony’s data shows “very, very positive” ahead of the console’s launch, so that’s good for the firm. However many gamers have been sending mix signals when it pertains to buying the portable machine. Some say it’s too expensive, others say they have no use for a dedicated handheld because their smartphones do the job.

Jack Tretton, however, is hopeful: “I’ve been involved in every platform launch we’ve ever had back to 1995, so I have the history to fall back on, and in terms of the press that we’ve gotten for Vita, in terms of the way we’ve been able to deliver the message and in terms of merchandising at retail and getting the hardware and software in people’s hands, I think this is probably our most successful lead up to a launch platform,” he said.

Now that the holidays are behind us and the marketing campaign is kicking in and the merchandising is appearing at retail and we’ve got our promotional campaign kicking in, I feel great about the velocity that we have going into Vita, and I’d say that we’re best positioned of any platform launch that I’ve been a part of in terms of positive momentum and positive feedback relative to it.”

Reviews for the console have been universally positive, and some have even called it the best handheld console ever released.

In Japan, PS Vita has performed poorly, but Tretton insists Sony’s view on success is different than the conventional, and that he doesn’t understand why journalists are calling Vita a failure in said region.

“Quite frankly, it scares me if people think that the Japanese launch is struggling. The fact is they sold 500,000 units in three weeks,” he said.

Later adding: “For us, success is defined by mass market penetration, meaning not just the core gamer but young, old, male, female, casual and core, and being relevant on a worldwide basis, not being incredibly strong in one market but non-existent in another.

Our definition of success is a 10-year product lifecycle, relevant on a worldwide basis with a very dedicated, happy consumer base that is loyal to the brand.”

Tretton has good reason to be excited, as PS Vita boasts more software than almost any other console in history at launch, something that should bode well for the machine on the sales front.

Games Thirst is giving away a brand new Vita tonight, so keep checking, you might just be the winner.

God of War IV is rather obvious, but who would have thought Sony Santa Monica would be hard at work on Team ICO’s The Last Guardian? But that’s what happens when a game’s been in limbo since the word limbo was invented.

It was Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida who shared the news with Wired, while boasting the firm’s many capable studios spread around the world.

“It’s not just Santa Monica. We have great tech people in Worldwide Studios,” he explained. “We have a central tech group in the US and the UK so we are giving them whatever help they need. Technically, we have the best engineers in the US and Europe, so these teams are helping them, giving advice.”

As for progress being made on TLG, Yoshida admitted that it’s coming along, slowly but surely.

“There’s a vision that we want to realise but it’s very very tough and technical issue that the team is tackling and some plans have to be made to evaluate and go through the process.

At one point the progress was great, so we talked about the timing of the launch in the past. But now it’s making progress, but still not to the level – it’s playable, but not to the point that we can talk about the timing of launch.”

The Last Guardian was announced back in early 2009, and was set for a spring 2011 release. We’re now in 2012 with no release date in sight.

PSP suffered immensely because the console was a pirate’s dream, however Sony has learnt its lessons, and have included technology in PS Vita that’ll protect the handheld from piracy for the “long term”. The quick, quenchable quote from Sony’s SVP of worldwide studios, Scott Rohde is below the break.

“That was front and center in the early specs of this machine. We needed to have something that would combat piracy from day one, and that’s why the cards that you can purchase for the games are in their own proprietary format.

It’s something that we felt was completely necessary to make sure that people could not pirate these games. I mean, it’s a custom security solution on each one of these cartridges. That is something that we are confident will protect us from piracy for the long term.”

Thanks, VG247, Gamasutra.

Reviews for EA Syndicate reboot have gone live, but they’re not telling the story the publisher and developer Starbreeze would like gamers to hear. Apparently you should rent before buying… Scores below the break.

Eurogamer – 7/10

GameSpot – 7.5/10

Games Radar – 7/10

CVG – 6/7/10

“If Starbreeze had snubbed convention and made a strategic co-op shooter with a global reach, it could have been amazing. As it is, it’s the sort of almost-there effort that entertains for now but will likely be forgotten by Christmas. Pick it up for the highly enjoyable co-op, but just don’t expect it to outlast its FPS rivals,” concluded Eurogamer.

The game’s now out in the U.S. and goes on sale in Europe on Friday.

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for, and finally we have something rather important to report concerning Metal Gear Solid 5. The game’s now officially under development, as Hideo Kojima has made his plans public with job openings at the upcoming GDC event being held on March 6th-9th. First art inside.

“Big Boss wants you,” a dedicated recruiting portal reads, which also references “the ‘next’ MGS” and “development without borders”, the latter we believe pertains to multiple studios around the world working simultaneously on the game, though we expect the bulk and core to be handled by Kojima Productions.

The portal also says Kojima Productions are looking for engineers to work on “the latest Metal Gear Solid targeted for high-end consoles and PC” as well as “next-gen game engine technology for use with the FOX Engine.” This most likely means for the first time a Metal Gear Solid title will see a multiplatform release, as Kojima and Konami change their business model to reach a broader audience, especially with the rise of Xbox 360.

Interested candidates are asked to show up at Konami Group booth, #1914, in the Career Pavilion, at GDC.

It’s only now Hideo Kojima’s officially confirmed a new Metal Gear Solid game, as he’s mostly been working on something called Project Ogre, but later said he’d probably have to make it, referring to MGS5, as nobody else wants such a burden.

If you’re the type who love purchasing content online, Sony and Bioware have created an juicy alternative just for you. Buy Mass Effect 3 on PSN and get yourself the M55 Argus rifle and a PSN theme free of charge just for doing things the digital way. What’s there not to like?

According to BioWare Community & Social Media Manager, “The Argus is a high-powered rifle and an excellent close-range weapon. Its bursts of fire ensure ammunition conservation during lengthy conflicts. Law-enforcement agencies across the Mass Effect galaxy are adopting the Argus as their standard rifle, as much for its intimidation factor as its suppression power.”

What’s easier, preordering your game through retailers and having to wait days for your game, or downloading the thing straight from PSN and getting goodies for doing so? The answer is rather simple, wouldn’t you say?

Via the US PS Blog.

It’s day of reckoning for Sony, as the firm readies itself to release PlayStation Vita tomorrow in the US and Europe. For the latter region, Sony’s already made available all PS Vita content on the PS Store, and we’ve gathered the full quencher, including prices for you.

PlayStation Vita Games

Everybody’s Golf (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Little Deviants Trial & Unlock (£19.99/€24.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Modnation Racers: Road Trip (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Reality Fighters (£19.99/€24.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (£39.99/€44.99)
Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: All Locales

Wipeout 2048 + Network pass (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Escape Plan (£9.99/€12.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Hustle Kings (Psn Only) (£6.49/€7.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Motorstorm RC (Psn Only) (£4.79/€5.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Super Stardust Delta (PSN Only) (£6.49/€7.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Super Stardust Delta & DLC Bundle (£7.99/€9.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Top Darts (Psn Only) (£6.49/€7.99)
Rating; PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Plants Vs Zombies (Soe) (£8.99/€11.25)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Cliff Diving (Ar Suite – Digital) (Free)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Table Football (Ar Suite – Digital) (Free)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Fireworks (Ar Suite – Digital) (Free)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Army Corps Of Hell (£34.99/€39.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Virtua Tennis 4 – World Tour Edition (£34.99/€39.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Asphalt: Injection (£19.99/€24.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Lumines Electronic Symphony (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Rayman Origins (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

EA Sports FIFA Football (£44.99/€49.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Shinobido 2 (£34.99/€39.99)
Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: All Locales

Touch My Katamari (£24.99/€29.99)
Rating: PEGI 6

Availability: All Locales

Blazblue Continuum Shift Extend (£34.99/€39.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Michael Jackson The Experience HD (£24.99/€19.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (£39.99/€44.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Dynasty Warriors Next (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 18

Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Ridge Racer Gold Pass (£5.49/€6.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Ridge Racer (£16.99/€19.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance (£29.99/€34.99)
Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: All Locales

A-Men (£11.99/€14.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Australia and New Zealand

F1 2011 (£44.99/€49.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: Not available in Australia, Belgium, India, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack(£5.49/€6.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Apps
Facebook (Free)
Live Tweet (Free)
Flickr (Free)
Foursquare (Free)
Downloadable Content
Everybody’s Golf Network Pass (£7.99/€9.99)
Reality Fighters Network Pass (£7.99/€9.99)
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Wipeout 2048 Network Pass (£7.99/€9.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Hustle Kings
Hustle Kings Snooker Pack (£2.39/€2.99)

Time Savers Pack (£1.19/€1.49)

Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (£0.79/€0.99)
Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: All Locales

Modnation Racers Road Trip – Unlock All (£3.19/€3.99)
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Super Stardust Delta: Advanced Star Fighter Pack (£2.39/€2.99)
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Motorstorm RC (Dual Compatible DLC)
Access All Areas Pass (£0.79/€0.99)

RC Collection Pass (£0.79/€0.99)

Full Game Pass (£1.19/€1.49)

Rare Rally Car: Patriot Enforcer – Only available for 14 days (£0.79/€0.99)

Rare Rally Car: Italia Buttercream – Only available for 14 days (Free)

Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Touch My Katamari
Download Request #1: Snowman!

Download Request #2: Shopping

Katamari Songs: All In One Pack (Bundle) (£4.79/€5.99)

(Includes the following, also available separately)

Katamari Songs: Namco Pack (£1.99/€2.49)
Katamari Songs: Chic Pack (£1.99/€2.49)

Katamari Songs: Vocal Pack (£1.99/€2.49)

Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3
Additional Character: Jill (£3.99/€4.99)

Animal Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Brawler Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Femme Fatale Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

New Age Of Heroes Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

The Evil Twin Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

The Rising Dead Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Viewtiful Strange Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Villain Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Weapon Expert Pack (£3.19/€3.99)

Additional Character: Shuma-Gorath (£3.99/€4.99)

Costume Pack (£3.99/€4.99)

Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Ridge Racer
Add-On Course 01 ‘Old Central’ (£1.99/€2.49)

Add-On Car 02 ‘Elenie’ (£1.19/£1.49)

Music Pack 01 (Free)

Music Pack 02 (Free)

Music Pack 03 (Free)

Music Pack 04 (Free)

Music Pack 06 (Free)

Music Pack 07 (Free)

Music Pack 08 (Free)

Music Pack 09 (Free)

Music Pack 10 (Free)

New Songs Pack 01 (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Demos

Uncharted: Golden Abyss Demo
Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not available in Germany

Modnation Racers Road Trip Demo
Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

Dynasty Warriors Next Demo
Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Unit 13 Demo
Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not available in Germany

Wipeout 2048 Demo
Rating: PEGi 7

Availability: All Locales

EA Sports FIFA Football
Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

Videos

Hustle Kings In Action Trailer
Reality Fighters Trailer
Wipeout 2048 Trailer
Escape Plan Trailer
Everybody’S Golf Trailer
Little Deviants Trailer
Modnation Racers: Road Trip Trailer
Super Stardust Delta Trailer
Super Stardust Delta Gameplay Trailer
Uncharted: Golden Abyss Trailer
Plants Vs Zombies Trailer (Soe)
Stardrone Announce Trailer
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition – Features Trailer

Thanks, EU PS Blog.