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New creation tools revealed in the LittleBigPlanet 2 story trailer

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Sony revealed plenty during their GamesCom 2010 press conference, but the new LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer is something many Train2Game students will no doubt be interested in.

We’ve previously discussed how LittleBigPlanet 2 could be the Train2Game students dream, and the latest trailer only confirms this! The LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer, revealed to the world at GamesCom, shows just how many tools will be at LittleBigPlanet 2 players’ disposal when creating new levels and games.

The trailer starts with a peak at new story mode in LittleBigPlanet 2 which sees Sackboy playing the hero as “a negative force of evil stirs on the horizon” The LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer also revels some new creation tools including being able to ‘record’ your Sackboy’s movements for ‘actors’ to use in your own cut-scenes. You’ll also be able to set up your own cameras for use in your LittleBigPlanet 2 levels and cut-scenes.

In addition to this, the new LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer also reveals a music creation tool which will allow you to add your own compositions to your custom levels and games. LittleBigPlanet 2 looks like it’ll give Train2Game students the ultimate opportunity to be creative. You can watch the LittleBigPlanet 2 trailers from GamesCom below.


So Train2Game, what do you think about these new features in LittleBigPlanet 2? Are you even more tempted to invest time into the game when it arrives? Or would you rather spend time making your own games?

You can leave your thoughts about LittleBigPlanet 2 here or on the Train2Game forum.

Gran Turismo 5 & New PlayStation 3 models release dates revealed by Sony at GamesCom

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Sony have revealed the release date of Gran Turismo 5 and announced new 160GB and 320GB PlayStation models during their GamesCom 2010 Press Conference. We also got a surprise Resistance 3 announcement among plenty of other PlayStation 3 related reveals.

The long awaited Gran Turismo 5 will finally be released in the UK and Europe on November 3rd. Gran Turismo 5 will feature over 1,000 fully licensed cars and over 70 racing circuits – including the Top Gear  test track! The release date of November 3rd means Gran Turismo 5 will be released in the UK and Europe one day after it’s available in the United States.

The US release date of Gran Turismo 5 was announced earlier this year at E3, where we also found out that Gran Turismo 5 would also be fully 3D compatable.

The November release date of Gran Turismo 5 means that the much anticipated racing title will be out shortly after the new 160GB and 320GB PlayStation 3 models which have been revealed during the Sony GamesCom presentation.  The massive 320GB PlayStation 3 will be available in Europe from September 15th at a price of £284.99 which will include a PlayStation Move starter pack. The 160GB PlayStation 3 will be available in October for £249.99.

The question has to be asked, why would you buy the 160GB model when you can have a 320GB PlayStation with double the hard drive space AND a PlayStation Move starter pack for just £35 extra!

In other news, Resistance 3 has been revealed thanks to a trailer during the Sony Press Conference. Unfortunately, the live action footage doesn’t really tell us anything except that Resistance 3 is currently in development. Other game trailers revealed by Sony included big titles in the form of  Infamous 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and Killzone 3.

We were also treated to other announcements including a new four player cooperative Ratchet & Clank game and the fact that MAG will be PlayStation Move compatible.

So Train2Game, what are your highlights of the Sony GamesCom press conference? Is it Gran Turismo 5 finally getting a release date? The new 160GB and 320GB PlayStation 3 models? Resistance 3 perhaps? Or maybe it’s something completely different?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum

EA’s GamesCom Presentation: The Big Announcements

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EA have made several big announcements and revealed some impressive trailers during their presentation at GamesCom 2010.

The big news is that Mass Effect 2 will be released on the PlayStation 3 in January next year, while Bioware also showcased an impressive looking Dragon Age 2 trailer. Dragon Age 2 is due for release on March 11th 2011, will apparently be more responsive to players controls and will be featuring a revamped artistic direction.

EA also revealed that The Sims 3 will be released on the PlayStation 3 on October 26th and will include new ‘karma’ features and an achievement system.  Not only that, but The Sims Medieval, an all new stand alone Sims title is scheduled for release in March next year.

The Sims Medieval will allow life simulation enthusiasts to give their Sims quests and even partake in duels.

We also discovered that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be Kinect compatible. (Kinect’s UK launch date was earlier confirmed as November 10th) The announcement was made through making the guys who play the Weasley twins in the film demonstrate the game. The motion controller was used to cast different types of spells and looks like it could be the first ‘hardcore’ Kinect title on the Xbox 360. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in November.

There were also gameplay Demos for Dead Space 2 and Need for Speed Hot Pursuit which were both rather intense. EA also showcased a Medal of Honor video which featured elite soldiers explaining how their work as consultants is helping develop the war themed first person shooter. Medal of Honor is released on October 15th 2010.

So Train2Game, that’s a quick round up of the big announcements from EA’s GamesCom presentation. What news stands out from the news? Is it Mass Effect 2 on PlayStation 3? Dragon Age 2? Or perhaps it’s The Sims Medieval or even Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being Kinect compatible!

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

Microsoft announce Kinect launch date and Xbox Live for Windows Mobile

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Kinect – the controller free device for the Xbox 360 – will be available in the UK from 10th November Microsoft have confirmed.  They’ve also revealed that Xbox Live will be coming to Windows mobile phones before Christmas, which could in theory provide Train2Game students with more opportunities to publish games. The announcements about Kinect and Xbox Live for mobile phones come before Microsoft’s pre-Gamescom event today.

Kinect for Xbox 360 is having its European premiere at Gamescom 2010, where several new games for the hands free device are expected to be launched. Microsoft say this will include more than fifteen exclusive Kinect titles.

Speaking before the show, Chris Lewis, Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Europe was of course keen to speak about Kinect.

“We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at Gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we’re committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox’s global success.

With Kinect launching on November 10, it’s set to not only transform our business but also change how we use entertainment.

With Kinect, YOU become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We’re already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share.”

The Microsoft Europe Vice President then moved away from Kinect and went on to discuss Xbox Live coming to mobile phones.

“This is a crucial time in expansion for Xbox 360, in terms of new audiences, new markets for Xbox LIVE and multiple platforms. With Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 we are bringing the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go.”

With Xbox Live games launching on Windows phones, Microsoft will be looking to compete with the highly successful iPhone which has seen games sold in the millions. Could Xbox Live for Windows phones also perhaps provide Train2Game students with another avenue to promote games?

Of course, Microsoft have more than Kinect for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live for Windows Phone to promote at GamesCom, as Chris Lewis points out

“With Age of Empires Online, Fable III and new games still in development, we’re also bringing social, connected gaming experiences to all new audiences on the PC. When you look at what we are bringing to the market this year, with the magic of Kinect, alongside our blockbuster line-up of games, including the biggest game for 2010, Halo: Reach, we’re confident that Xbox 360 has something for all the family and will be the gaming and entertainment console of 2010 and beyond.”

So Train2Game, what do you think about Microsoft’s pre GamesCom announcements? Will you be buying Kinect for Xbox 360 on November 10th? And do you believe developing games for Xbox Live for Windows Phone would benefit your future career as a Games Designer, Games Developer or Games Artist & Animator?

Leave your thoughts about Microsoft, Kinect for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live for Windows mobile here or on the Train2Game forum.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West Dev Diary – Building Story & Character

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Ninja Theory have launched the first in series of Developer Diaries that allow us – that’s you too Train2Game students – a look at their upcoming title Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.

The first Enslaved Dev Diary is titled ‘Building Story & Character’ and looks at the process of doing this for Odyssey to the West. The developers talk about creating the characters of Monkey and Trip, along with developing the relationship between the two. (Monkey is apparently ‘Like Tarzan having a bad day) We also find out a bit about the Chinese origins of the story.

The Ninja Theory team also discuss how the importance of both the acting and writing of Enslaved. Actor Andy Serkis provided character motion capture for Monkey, while screen writer Alex Garland – famous for his work on 28 weeks later – has provided help with writing the game.

The key thing to take from the video seems to be how the developers want Enslaved: Odyssey to the West want the game to feel like a movie. You can watch the Enslaved Developer Diary below.


So Train2Game, what do you think of the Enslaved Developer Diary? Do you think having film writers involved will help the game feel more like a movie? Will you be buying Enslaved: Odyssey to the West?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

Codemasters reveal F1 2010 release date and new trailer

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Formula 1 fans rejoice! Not only have Codemasters confirmed F1 2010 will be released on September 24th, they’ve also released an F1 2010 game play trailer. The  F1 2010  game is set to be released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

The F1 2010 game trailer showcases the full race experience at a Grand Prix with the gameplay video showing what players can expect from F1 2010. We see the full F1 2010 field of drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel racing at Suzuka, Melbourne and the iconic Spa Francorchamps

The F1 2010 gameplay video also provides and insight into the full F1 2010 experience with footage of press interviews in the paddock, race engineers doing their thing and motion captured pit-lane crew working on an F1 car.

The F1 2010 game  is the official game of the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship and includes all of the official teams, drivers and circuits – so now you can live live that dream of driving the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen and taking him to F1 2010 World Championship Glory! Or maybe not…

F1 2010 features a range of game modes, from quick-fire races and time trials to full Grand Prix weekends and an extensive F1 2010 career mode.

The F1 2010 game is being developed at Codemasters Studios Birmingham and we only have a little over a month to wait for it now! In the meantime, you can check out the F1 2010 trailer below

If that doesn’t quench your thirst for F1 2010 game footage, interested Train2Game students can always go back and watch the F1 2010 developer diaries.

So Train2Game, are you looking forward to F1 2010? Is this an essential day one purchase for any of you?

You can leave your thoughts about F1 2010 here or on the Train2Game forum.

UK Charts: Toy Story 3 stays Number One

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Toy Story 3

The toys are still in town

Toy Story 3 is once again top of the UK All Formats chart. It’s the third week at number one for the movie tie in, which is more than any other previous Disney game. Toy Story 3 is one of only four titles that have been number one this year with Red Dead Redemption, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and Just Dance being the others.

In fact, Rockstars hugely successful western Red Dead Redemption got close to claiming the number one spot once more after rising from fifth to second, while Dance on Broadway is still going strong in third.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 shows it still has some magic left with its rise from fourth to eighth. The biggest riser of the week is Nintendo DS game Art Academy which jumps twenty three places from twenty eighth to fifth place in its second week in the charts.

Just Dance still remains in the top 10 and holds onto sixth place this week while Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels Starry Skies is also a non-mover in seventh.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 hasn’t quite become the UK’s best ever selling game just yet after a drop in sales sees it move down to eighth from last weeks second.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 remains in ninth place while there’s just one new entry into the top ten this week with Madden NFL 11 sneaking into tenth in its first week.

Meanwhile, Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty has crashed out of the top ten from fourth place last week to twelfth this time around. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 has also slipped out of the top ten, dropping one place to eleventh. By far the biggest loser in the top forty is Crackdown 2 which drops fifteen places from twenty fifth to fortieth. Crackdown 2 held the top spot for two weeks as recently as one month ago!

The full ELSPA GfK Chart-Track All Formats top then is as follows:

1. Toy Story 3 (Disney Interactive)
2. Red Dead Redemption (Rockstar)
3. Dance on Broadway (Ubisoft)
4. LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 (Warner Interactive)
5. Art Academy (Nintendo)
6. Just Dance (Ubisoft)
7. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision)
9. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Nintendo)
10. Madden NFL 11 (EA)

So Train2Game, how long will Toy Story 3 remain top of the pile? What game to you think will knock it off top spot?

Has Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty dropped out of the top ten for good, or will it return? Will Modern Warfare 2 finally become the UK’s best selling game of all-time next week? And why has Crackdown 2 suffered such a fall from grace?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

EA GamesCom Line Up Details

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EAEA have revealed their line up for GamesCom and it looks rather strong.

FIFA 11, Need for Speed, Medal of Honour and The Sims will be among the titles consumers will be able to get their hands on. EA say their line up will  highlight ‘the company’s focus on delivering fewer, better games and building direct to consumer digital offerings’

Media and consumers are invited for hands on experience with a whole host of innovative game play that highlights the company’s focus on delivering fewer, better games and building direct to consumer digital offerings. Senior Vice President and General Manager for EA in Europe, Jens Uwe Intat, is positive about both the companies games, and the showcase in Cologne:

“Gamescom has grown to become the largest show for interactive entertainment, and offers a unique chance for us to engage directly with consumers, retailers and media at one event,”

“Our line up demonstrates the intense focus we have on building quality games with deep innovation for our consumers, and it’s great to see the industry coming together to create such a milestone event in Europe”.

GamesCom takes place between August 18th and August 22nd in Cologne, Germany.

So Train2Game, are you looking forward to any of EA’s titles? Or do you think it’s just rehashes of the same old franchises? As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

2K reveal Bioshock Infinite

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Bioshock Infinite

2K have revealed the next instalment of the Bioshock series, Bioshock Infinite, which sees us leaving the underwater city of Rapture and heading to the skies.

The art-deco utopian setting of Bioshock and Bioshock 2 has been replaced with the sky city of Columbia for Bioshock Infinite, while this latest episode in the Bioshock series moves back in time to 1912. That means the events of Bioshock Infinite take place almost half a century before Bioshock.

Bioshock: Infinite will see the player assuming the role of Booker DeWitt who is sent to the ‘lost’ city of Columbia to rescue a prisoner named Elizabeth. The trailer actually seems to show people in the city, so perhaps unlike Bioshock there will be more character interaction in Bioshock: Infinite? Unfortunately, we’ll be waiting until 2012 to before we can play the game to find out for sure.

Bioshock: Infinite is being developed by Irrational Games, the team behind the original Bioshock, and is once again being led by Ken Levine – who didn’t work on Bioshock 2. Of course, this is Bioshock we’re talking about so enough with the text – here’s a very pretty looking Bioshock Infinite trailer:


How impressive does that look?

The press release from 2K fills us in with the rest of the details about Bioshock Infinite:

“Set in 1912, BioShock Infinite introduces an entirely new narrative experience that lifts players out of the familiar confines of Rapture and rockets them to Columbia, an immense city in the sky. BioShock Infinite is currently planned for release during calendar 2012.

Originally conceived as a floating symbol of American ideals at a time when the United States was emerging as a world power, Columbia is dispatched to distant shores with great fanfare by a captivated public. What begins as a brand new endeavour of hope turns drastically wrong as the city soon disappears into the clouds to whereabouts unknown.

The player assumes the role of former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, sent to the lost city to rescue Elizabeth, a young woman imprisoned there since childhood. He develops a relationship with Elizabeth, augmenting his abilities with hers so the pair may escape from a city that is literally falling from the sky. DeWitt must learn to fight foes in high-speed Sky-Line battles, engage in combat both indoors and amongst the clouds, and harness the power of dozens of new weapons and abilities.”

So Train2Game what do you think of the Bioshock Infinite trailer? Are you a fan of the Bioshock series? If so, what are your thoughts on the setting? And of course, how visually impressive does the game look?

You can leave your thoughts on Bioshock Infinite here or on the Train2Game forum.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood First Developer Diary

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Ubisoft have released the first of a series of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood developer diaries. In this first one titled Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood ‘The Birth’; the Ubisoft team explain the history behind the story which may be useful for those not familiar with Assassin’s Creed or Assassin’s Creed 2.

The video also tells us a bit about new features in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood including the recruitment system, a little bit about multiplayer and the fact that the game starts exactly where Assassin’s Creed 2 left off. You can check out the first Assassins’ Creed: Brotherhood Developer Diary below.


Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood game is scheduled for release in Europe on November 19th. Despite this being just one year after the release of Assassin’s Creed 2, Ubisoft are keen to stress that Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood isn’t a rushed sequel and is a full part of their planned story.

So Train2Game, What do you think of the Assassin’s Creed Developer Diary? Are you a fan of the franchise and if so, are you looking forward to Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood? And how important do you feel pre-planning a storyline across multiple games is for franchise titles?

You can leave your comments about Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood here or on the Train2Game forum.