Gran Turismo Sport adds new cars, new tracks, new League events and more in its huge July update

Today, we’re excited to reveal the latest free content update for GT Sport, packed with gorgeous new cars, a stunning new track (with three unique layouts), GT League events and much more. Plus, we’re soon making over 200 of GT Sport’s vehicles available to purchase from PS Store and Brand Central as DLC. The 1.23 update is available to download right now, and you can check out the full patch notes here.

Downloadable content – available 2nd August

While there are many car enthusiasts young and old among Gran Turismo’s players, there are many who don’t have enough time to play and save the in-game credits needed to acquire their favourite cars.

By making cars immediately available to purchase as DLC, we hope to make it so that players busy with work (or those who’ve just entered the world of GT) can acquire attractive and competitive cars quickly, and take their position on the starting grid.

However, to keep things fair and balanced for our existing players, all cars can still be purchased with in-game credits as before; meaning there are no cars that are only available for cash, and nothing will change in the way you currently earn cars, or the present car system.

Furthermore, GT Sport’s priciest vehicles can only be bought with the in-game currency – meaning drivers will still have to prove their ability and effort out on the track to acquire the very best cars on offer.

New vehicles

 

Seven spectacular new vehicles have been added to Brand Central this month, from the historic Mercedes F1 machine that won the championship with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, legendary Ferraris, and K-Cars which represent the unique side of Japanese car culture. Take a look at the complete line-up here:

• Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ 2017
• Daihatsu Copen Active Top ’02
• Honda Beat ’91
• Honda S660 ’15
• Ferrari 250 GTO CN.3729GT ’62
• Ford GT LM Spec II Test Car
• Mazda 787B ’91

New track – Sainte-Croix Circuit (A / B / C)

 

Based on the scenic Lake of Sainte-Croix in the Provence region of France, this original 10km course (with three distinct layouts) features tricky radial corners, long straights, and requires high driving skill to achieve fast lap times. The track is truly designed to test drivers’ adaptability. Furthermore, all three track variants are also playable in reverse, making six unique races possible.

GT League

 

Adding to the GT League line-up, we’ve introduced three new events to test drivers of all skill levels, including:

• Light Weight K Cup – Beginner League
• Nostalgic Car Festival – Amateur League
• Mercedes AMG Grand Prix – Professional League

Additional updates

Finally, a few additional features have been added to the game. One of the most notable changes is that the Livery Editor that was only available for cars is now compatible with racing suits and helmets.

In addition, an update has been added to Scapes Mode to allow players to place driver avatars in their scenes. There is also a new location: Tokyo Outer Ring Road, Chiba. And following last month’s track update, the stunning Circuit de la Sarthe has been added to the Circuit Experience.

Remember: You can find all the latest info on upcoming GT Sport content here on PlayStation Blog or on the official Gran Turismo website. Until next time, drivers, we’ll see you out on the track.

The post Gran Turismo Sport adds new cars, new tracks, new League events and more in its huge July update appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2mUUOzy
via

Read More

Take a tour of gaming history in puzzle-platformer Super Life of Pixel, out 22nd August for PS4, PS Vita

When I first came in contact with Richard Hill-Whitall, two things were immediately obvious: he had a deep love and respect for video game history, and he was super passionate about pixel art. It was no surprise to me that he chose to marry these passions into his own creation, a game called Super Life of Pixel.

Rich and his small team of “bedroom coders” at Super Icon painstakingly recreated 19 legendary systems spanning three decades of gaming. They paid careful attention to the art styles, technical limitations and the intangible “feel” of each system and their respective eras. Some of these classically inspired consoles you may immediately recognise, and others may be new to you – but they all played an important role in the building of this industry that I love. And besides that, they’re freaking fun!

So, when it was proposed that our lil’ old studio, WhiteMoon Dreams be Rich’s publisher and help bring Super Life of Pixel to PS4 and PS Vita, we jumped at the chance.

After months of hard work between WhiteMoon Dreams and Super Icon, we are proud to announce that Super Life of Pixel is launching on PS4 and PS Vita on 22nd August.

At its core, this game is a fun history lesson. With every system you conquer and unlock, you’re given the chance to learn more about the original consoles they’re inspired by, down to the hardware and software specs of the era. Consider it a living, playable museum of gaming history, in which you will die. A lot.

With that comes some old-school mechanics. Patience and strategy will be your ticket to victory. As Rusty put it to me one day, “In these kinds of games: speed kills, and greed kills.” It’s all about thinking the level through and treating it more like a puzzle platformer. Move, think, jump or die. That’s the Life of Pixel.

We’d like to thank our awesome partners at Super Icon and the entire PlayStation family for working with us to bring this experience to you.

On 22nd August, fire up your PS4 or PS Vita and play your part in gaming history, get impaled on sharp things, and jump like your life depends on it in Super Life of Pixel! We can’t wait for the PlayStation community to get their hands on it and to let us know what you think!

The post Take a tour of gaming history in puzzle-platformer Super Life of Pixel, out 22nd August for PS4, PS Vita appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2mMHjld
via

Read More

How PS VR action shooter Blood & Truth and PlayLink thriller Erica are pushing genre innovation

PS VR and PlayLink have presented exciting new opportunities for game creators, leading developers to break new ground in well-established genres.

Both Blood and Truth and Erica are great examples. They are both going deep on innovation and in different ways; they are rewriting the design rulebook for their respective genres.

Blood & Truth is an action packed thriller set in modern day London, against the city’s backdrop of glamour and grit. The capabilities of PSVR have allowed London Studio to put you in the shoes of an action hero in a way you will not have experienced before.

Erica is an interactive game with no 3D graphics at all, instead offering seamless live-action transitions. The game takes full advantage of PlayLink, using the touchscreen capabilities of mobile phones to let players reach in and leave a physical mark in Erica’s world.

 

In this Creator Meets Creator video, London Studio’s Stuart Whyte and Flavourworks’ Jack Attridge discuss how their studios are using the latest technology to create completely fresh experiences for their audience.

Watch the video below to hear the full story. You can also catch the first in our Creator Meets Creator series – with Media Molecule’s Mark Healey and Dominic Robilliard from Pixelopus – here.

The post How PS VR action shooter Blood & Truth and PlayLink thriller Erica are pushing genre innovation appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2K2eeLJ
via

Read More

Rhythm action arcade classic Taiko No Tatsujin brings its drum beats to PS4 2nd November

It is with great pleasure, joy and honour that we’re announcing that Taiko No Tatsujin is coming to PlayStation 4 2nd November! We’re very much huge fans of the series at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe and delighted to finally bring it to our part of the world.

What is Taiko No Tatsujin, you say?

It’s a Japanese series of rhythm games where you play to the beat of your own drum and challenge your friends to prove who has the best Taiko skills. Enjoy beloved characters on your journey to become a legendary taiko drummer!

Featuring songs from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Disney including Frozen and Zootopia, Kemono Friends, Osomatsu San, Hatsune Miku and even Touhou Project, we haven’t forgotten to include some of our own series as well like Tekken, Tales of Berseria, Ridge Racer and IdolM@ster! My personal favourite song to play is Zenzenzense from the movie Your name!

Do you have a significant other who’s not really into Japanese music? The classical song category is the perfect gateway to get them hooked on Taiko.

With the likes of Rossini, Offenback and Carmen, these familiar tracks are great to get accustomed to the game’s mechanics and presentation. Afterwards, get them set up playing Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen and sit back in delight as they experience that crazy song!

The team back in Japan is as excited as us, so without further ado, please read a couple of messages from Ueda-san the producer and Sasoaka-san from the development team.

A message from producer Ayano Ueda

Hello everyone, I am the producer for the PS4 version of “Taiko No Tatsujin”, Ayano Ueda.

Taiko No Tatsujin was released in 2001 in Japan as an arcade game. This is the first time that we’re releasing the series in Europe. On PS4, you will be able to battle online with ghost data of players all over the world.

There are also Japanese popular anime songs such as Dragon Ball, One Piece and Attack on Titan, so it would be great if you also enjoy playing those songs as well! Please look forward to the release of the game!

A message from the dev team

Hello, this is Takehito Sasaoka from the development team of Taiko No Tatsujin. It has been 18 years after Taiko No Tatsujin showed up in arcades in Japan for the first time. Taiko No Tatsujin was born with the concept of “Anyone can easily enjoy playing Taiko with rhythm of music”. After 18 years later, I wish that everyone in the world enjoy this series as one of the representing Japanese games. Please enjoy and play the game with the KAWAII”characters including DON chan!

We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it, and absolutely delighted to finally release Taiko No Tatsujin digitally in Europe. See you this November on PlayStation 4.

The post Rhythm action arcade classic Taiko No Tatsujin brings its drum beats to PS4 2nd November appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2AhH7Eg
via

Read More

How FIFA 19’s biggest gameplay changes make EA Sports’ franchise more realistic than ever

The latest changes in gameplay coming in EA Sports FIFA 19 combine to make every match more realistic and every decision on the virtual pitch more crucial. From the most technical and subtle of touches to the broader ways in which you set up your squad, every feature plays a big part in bringing you even closer to the beautiful game.

The most prominent new gameplay functions in FIFA 19 are the Active Touch System, Dynamic Tactics, 50/50 Battles, and Timed Finishing, and each affects how you play the game in unique and nuanced ways.

1. The Active Touch system

Every touch of the ball in FIFA 19 is different—and better—with the Active Touch System. Whether you’re striking, receiving, or controlling the ball, you’ll notice smoother movements and crisper actions all over the pitch.

Utilize closer control, a variety of creative options, and more distinct player technique; master unique animations, including the disguised trap, flick-up volley, and more. Discover combinations to use when receiving or passing the ball, and use your head, chest, knees, and feet to create space and befuddle opponents.

2. Dynamic Tactics

Use Dynamic Tactics to get another level of control over your team’s pre-match preparation, as well as in-game adjustments.

Set up multiple tactical approaches that can include different formations, personnel, instructions, and more, then bind them to the D-Pad so that you can change them during matches at any time.

Dynamic Tactics also changes how tactics are executed in matches, making your tactical control and changes more visually obvious on the pitch. 50/50 Battles overhauls the process for challenging loose balls, so that players act and react realistically in every battle for possession.

User reactions and player attributes combine to decide who comes out on top in every 50/50 challenge. Teammates move more intelligently on the pitch, making possession in dangerous areas even more important.

3. Timed Finishing

All of this is a big deal for FIFA 19, but Timed Finishing is likely to be the feature that players will be most interested in trying for themselves.
It adds another layer to shooting that can potentially provide a crucial accuracy and power boost on its way to goal. Basic shooting doesn’t change, but with just one extra tap of the “shoot” button, world-class goals are within your reach.

This advantage doesn’t come without risk because, as the name implies, Timed Finishing is all about timing. If your extra tap is too early or too late, it could actually make your shot worse.

The world’s game is back with some of the finest features in the franchise history, making FIFA 19 on PlayStation 4 a can’t-miss gaming experience. Pre-order FIFA 19 for PlayStation 4 today.

The post How FIFA 19’s biggest gameplay changes make EA Sports’ franchise more realistic than ever appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2mNuZBn
via

Read More

6 great PS VR games that are even better with the PS VR Aim controller

Tense tactical shooter Firewall: Zero Hour, releasing next month, isn’t the only PS VR game that benefits from using the PS VR Aim controller. Slotting a PS Move into the peripheral’s frame offers not only added precision to your gameplay but a deeper sense of immersion into the game world. Feel the Aim kick when pulling its trigger, while the integrated motion sensors aid the precision of your shots.

From battling monsters across the galaxy to trying to survive a paper route, the following five PS VR games are worth breaking out the PS VR Aim controller for.

1. Doom VFR

id Software preferred adaptation to port when it brought its sci-fi shooter to PS VR. Keeping the visuals, location and enemies of 2016’s critically-acclaimed PS4 hit, the studio built an entirely new experience that catered to PS VR’s strengths. Ever wanted to wield Doom’s iconic arsenal? With the PS VR Aim controller, you’ll feel like you are.

Buy Doom VFR on PlayStation Store now

2. Farpoint

You’re stuck on an alien planet teaming with nasties that’ll happily kill you as soon as they see you. Good thing that in futuristic expeditions, scientists make sure they bring a well-armed bodyguard. But even you don’t need to go it alone: grab a second controller and battle through this hostile world shoulder to shoulder with a partner.

Buy Farpoint on PlayStation Store now

3. Arizona Sunshine

If you’re intent on headshotting the undead, you want to make sure your aim’s true. And that’s where the PS VR Aim controller comes in. Whether you’re exploring the game’s single player campaign or battling waves of zombies in Horde mode, keep the PS VR Aim controller by your side to help you survive the apocalypse.

Buy Arizona Sunshine on PlayStation Store now

4. Dick Wilde

Old-school shooting galleries get a PS VR overhaul in this hilarious, scoreboard-chasing blaster. There are weapons aplenty (bows, grenade launchers) to play with, and plenty of vicious critters (piranha, alligators) to defend yourself from.

Buy Dick Wilde on PlayStation Store now

5. The Brookhaven Experiment

This supernatural shooter is overflowing with disturbing creature designs. Though admittedly you may miss their finer details, busy as you’ll be blasting their hides to oblivion. Its horde mode gameplay filtered through Stephen King’s The Mist. Which, for any horror fan, should have their PS VR Aim controller trigger finger twitching.

Buy The Brookhaven Experiment on PlayStation Store now

6. Special Delivery

Take aim at mailboxes and steer clear of hazards in this danger-filled newspaper delivery run. You’d expect the snarling dogs, the motorists with little appreciation of sharing the road two-wheeled transport. But Special Delivery’s scenarios also include cargo containers, tornadoes and even Death himself.

Buy Special Delivery on PlayStation Store now

To learn more about the PS VR Aim controller, head on over to playstation.com.

The post 6 great PS VR games that are even better with the PS VR Aim controller appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2OiMd5U
via

Read More

How epic viking RPG trilogy The Banner Saga started with three ex-Bioware devs in a neighbour’s garage

Hi everyone, I’m Lance James, producer at Versus Evil, publisher of the epic viking RPG series Banner Saga.

Some of you may know that the first game in this trilogy, The Banner Saga, was developed by just 3 people from the newly formed indie developer, Stoic back in 2012. It was only after an unexpected and wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that this game experienced its first breath of life. BUT – did you know that these 3 developers came from AAA development studios, namely Bioware, and gave it all up to follow their dream?

Yes, they found the courage and left the ‘high powered’, fast-paced world of big budget video game development based on a conviction that they could build something together, something that they would love to play, something that was of the highest quality as possible for a small indie team and unique and that fans would love to play too.

They risked it all to have creative freedom and a better quality of life overall with a work/life balance that was, well, for once in this industry, balanced – somewhat.

The team have confessed however, that this ideal ‘balance’ certainly has eluded them at times during the last few years and on several occasions they found themselves working harder than ever before to deliver the game that they would be proud of.

Without a full dev team and a host of resources at their disposal, they ended up wearing many important hats, so the workload was as epic as the game they were working on.

Speed forward six years later and that first breath of life has evolved into an award winning epic saga of gigantic proportions. A game with a harrowing, thought provoking and tragic storyline, stunning yet haunting graphics and memorable characters both friend and foe that you actually cared about while playing.

Together with Stoic we are proud to bring you the end of this saga with the launch of Banner Saga 3 today, which means you can now play this epic saga from beginning to end and experience your own personal journey through this vast magical world.

Recapping The Banner Saga so far…

The Banner Saga

To recap the story so far, in The Banner Saga you first meet father/daughter duo Rook and Alette who encounter the stone clad Dredge for the first time and reluctantly flee their home to escape the threat, unwittingly becoming the de facto leader of their caravan.

You learn that the world is breaking and the only way to survive is to team up with the mighty Varl, the race of horned giants who are few in numbers but who’s worth is demonstrable on the battlefield. You encounter the magical menders and other characters along the way, some friend, some enemy, but all with their own motivations. Who can you trust?

The Banner Saga 2

You start off in Banner Saga 2 realising the weight of tragedy at the loss of a loved one. And while many questions are answered, even more are raised and the desperate struggle for survival becomes even more real.

You encounter the mythical horseborn race and warily join forces in the knowledge that coming together in partnership might be the path to a hopeful future. More tough choices are laid at your feet and an even greater threat is unearthed as more tragedy envelopes your world.

The Banner Saga 3

In Banner Saga 3 – the end has come. The end is upon you and the world as you know it is on its knees. In these final hours, your courage and grit is put to the test one final time as you try and find a way to change the course of fate and save as many lives as you can in the face of impending doom.

The success of the Banner Saga trilogy has allowed Stoic to expand from 3 people in a neighbour’s garage into a fully-fledged indie development studio with proper office space, several new hires including artists, programmers and producers and a ton of resources.

This indie success story is something we want to see more of and as an indie publisher we strive to nurture and support. So although we are sad that this trilogy is finally coming to a dramatic end, we can’t wait to see what comes out of Stoic in the near future. Watch this space.

The post How epic viking RPG trilogy The Banner Saga started with three ex-Bioware devs in a neighbour’s garage appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

from PlayStation.Blog.Europe https://ift.tt/2OezDEZ
via

Read More