Author: John Scalzo

John Scalzo is Warp Zoned's Editor-In-Chief and resident retro gaming expert. You can email him at john AT warpzoned DOT com.

Sony announces PSP Remaster series for PS3

Posted on May 22, 2011 by John Scalzo

When we made our 11 Predictions For E3 11, we speculated that Hideo Kojima would finally announce the PS3/PSP hybrid game that he’s been talking about for a while now. Instead, it looks like Sony has beat him to the punch with the announcement of the PSP Remaster series.

Initially scheduled for release in Japan, titles in the PSP Remaster series will be released for the PS3 on a Blu-ray disc packed with special features. While specific special features will be decided on a game-by-game basis, Sony expects to include new add-on content and stereoscopic 3D support in many of the PSP re-releases. The PS3 versions will also use the same save data as their PSP brethren, so it’ll be possible to start a game at home on your PS3, transfer the save to your PSP, and then pick up right where you left off on the portable. Too awesome!

The first game available in the PSP Remaster series will be Capcom’s Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, which will be released on the PS3 as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Version. The upscaled PS3 version will include “gorgeous and vibrant” high definition graphics perfect for large-screened TVs. However, no release date has been announced.

More titles in the PSP Remaster series will be announced soon and hopefully we’ll learn more about Sony’s North American plans for the games at this year’s E3 Expo.

Posted in News, PS3, PSP |

Arleen Sorkin not voicing Harley Quinn in Batman: Arkham City

Posted on May 21, 2011 by John Scalzo

Bad news, Batfans.

Arleen Sorkin will not be voicing Harley Quinn in Batman: Arkham City. Sorkin, who was actually the inspiration for Quinn’s apperance on “Batman: The Animated Series,” has been replaced, for unspecified reasons, by prolific voice actress Tara Strong.

While there’s definitely some disappointment in losing Sorkin, Strong has quite a history with the various Bat-cartoons as well:

  • She played Barbara Gordon (AKA Batgirl) on “Batman: The Animated Series”;
  • She voiced The Huntress on “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”;
  • She stepped into the shoes of Vicky Vale on “The Batman”;
  • And she had a small part as a Shock Trooper from Apokolips in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.

To further assuage fan’s fears, the Batman: Arkham City Community Manager recently sat down with Strong to discuss her thoughts on Harley Quinn and the voiceover process.

And it sounds like the character is in good hands.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One coming October 18; pre-order bonuses detailed

Posted on May 21, 2011 by John Scalzo

Sony is ramping up their E3 announcements a tad early with the news that Insomniac’s next PS3 platformer, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, will be released on October 18.

They’ve also announced the pre-order incentives, which includes an exclusive unlockable weapon, that several major retailers are offering. You can see what kind of firepower each store is giving away in the video above, or you gander at the list right here:

Amazon: T-Rex Morph Weapon Mod
Best Buy: Pyro Blaster
GameStop: Mr. Zurkon
Walmart: Sheepinator Morph Weapon Mod

Posted in News, PS3 | Tagged

Bohemia Interactive bringing ArmA 3, others to E3 2011

Posted on May 21, 2011 by John Scalzo

Bohemia Interactive, the developer of the acclaimed military simulation ArmA series, has announced they’ll be bringing three new titles to E3 2011, including ArmA 3!

The Czech developer will also show off the long-awaited sci-fi action game Carrier Command: Gaea Mission and the helicopter sim Take On Helicopters.

More details on all three titles can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

New Releases: Dirt 3, Dead or Alive Dimensions, Kung Fu Panda 2, More

Posted on May 21, 2011 by John Scalzo

An eclectic quartet of games highlights this week’s new release slate.

First up, there’s Codemasters’ rally racing simulation Dirt 3 for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Then, Tecmo Koei takes 2D fighting into the third dimension with the “in your face” Dead or Alive: Dimensions on the 3DS.

More fighting fun can be had with THQ’s Kung Fu Panda 2 game adaptation. The publisher has done something interesting with the game and targeted each version towards a different peripheral. The Wii version requires the uDraw Tablet while the Xbox 360 edition requires the Kinect add-on. DS and PS3 versions are also available, though they use more traditional control schemes.

Finally this week, the Duke is back in Duke Nukem: Critical Mass on the DS. And that means we’re only three weeks from his glorious return on the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Check out the full list of the rest of this week’s new releases after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, DS, News, PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | Tagged ,

Hey kids! Buy a Windows 7 PC, get an Xbox 360 for free!

Posted on May 20, 2011 by John Scalzo

You know, for school!

Even though the school year just ended for the country’s college students, Microsoft has announced a “back-to-school” promotion for students thinking of buying a Windows 7-based PC. Starting May 22, students who buy a new Windows 7-based PC priced at $699 or more will also receieve a free Xbox 360 4GB console. Students must show their student ID at the time of purchase and the offer is only available at participating retailers (Microsoft wouldn’t reveal which retailers are participating in this promotion and which aren’t).

“A hot new Windows 7-based PC with a free Xbox 360 is the ultimate productivity, social and entertainment package for students,” said Kathleen Hall, general manager of Windows Marketing at Microsoft. “In one shot, with this great offer, Microsoft is giving students everything they need for a successful new school year.”

Yup, the Xbox 360. Everything a student needs for school. More information on the offer can be found at Windows.com/freexbox.

Posted in News, PC, Xbox 360 |

CoD Black Ops Escalation map pack PC release set for June 3; “coming soon” to PS3

Posted on May 20, 2011 by John Scalzo

Activision has confirmed that the second Call of Duty: Black Ops map pack, Escalation, will be made available to PC gamers on June 3, exactly a month after it was added to the Xbox Live Marketplace. Priced at $15, the pack includes four maps: “Zoo,” “Convoy,” “Hotel” and “Stockpile.”

Also available in the Escalation pack is the awesome “Call of the Dead” (check out the trailer above), an expanded Zombies map that stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Danny “Machete” Trejo, Robert Englund and the Godfather of all Zombies himself, George Romero.

PS3 owners who are itching to get their hands on the map pack won’t have much longer to wait as Activision promies that it’s “coming soon” to the PlayStation Store.

Posted in News, PC, PS3 | Tagged

Chucky gets lucky on PC, consoles this Fall

Posted on May 20, 2011 by John Scalzo

I could never understand why someone would be afraid of a murderous doll. Once you realize its evil, just drop kick it across the room. Bam! No more Chucky! Yet, the cute little doll with the soul of a serial killer starred in five movies, and this Fall, he’ll take center stage in his own video game.

Developed by Tik Games, Chucky is in development for “console and PC digital distribution platforms.” Players will don the sneakers and overalls of the killer doll in an original storyline that “extend[s] his gory legacy” and features the “stealth and guile” Chucky is known for.

“We’re proud to be able to bring a fan-favorite movie character, such as Chucky, to gaming platforms,” said Alex Tikhman, Co-Founder and Vice President of Publishing for TikGames. “Fans have been asking for a Chucky game for years and, soon, gamers around the world will be able to enjoy highly-entertaining, interactive, downright gory experiences with this brand.”

I thought Tikhman was joking, but apparently there really has been a huge outcry for a Chucky game.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged