Today, Konami and game developer Mercury Steam unleash Castlevania: Lords of Shadow for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This completely new entry to the Castlevania saga puts players in the role of Gabriel Belmont, on a journey through darkness for “The God Mask.” It’s a bold and rich-looking presentation of the Castlevania series by Mercury Steam, which was also guided by Kojima Productions (of Metal Gear fame). Is it a fitting game for fans of the long running Castlevania series and welcoming to newcomers? More details coming soon from my review!
In the meantime, there are several editions available in North America, as well as a mysterious other Limited Edition rumored to be coming later this October. Here are the editions of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, now available in North America:
See what’s inside the Limited Edition below (or here in a gallery view) in a series of unboxing pictures. There appears to be another Limited Edition, even more amazing than the one released in North America. You’ve been warned. Take a look at it here. This comes from gaming website PS3 Hype. I’ve reached out to Konami’s PR for more details and availability, but have not received a response. From the PEGI ratings stamp on it, it’s probably exclusive to PAL gamers (Europe and other regions outside of US). The God Mask is the standout item and will be the envy of gamers in other regions that aren’t getting it.
Along with today’s release of God of War III comes the God of War III Ultimate Edition. Curious to see what’s packed inside Pandora’s Box? See the God of War III Ultimate Editionunboxing pictures below or here in full screen. In the box you get the standard edition packaged God of War III game disc and box, Pandora’s Box and God of War III Art Book. Inside the God of War III game box is an additional sleeve which includes 3 download codes, which can be redeemed from the PlayStation Store. Upon downloading the additional Ultimate Edition digital content, you’ll see the God of War III game title screen gets updated to say "God of War III Ultimate Edition," a unique little touch.
The God of War III Ultimate Edition includes:
Exclusive Collectibles
– High-End Sculpted Replica of Pandora’s Box
- Limited-Edition God of War Art Book featuring exclusive art, content and interviews
Exclusive Digital Content
(Available via PlayStation Network voucher codes on day of launch)
– God of War Combat Arena containing an exclusive environment and seven challenges
– Premium Kratos Skin – Dominus
– God of War: Unearthing the Legend Franchise Documentary – a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise
– God of War Trilogy Soundtrack – God of War, II, and III scores from the game (mp3 digital download).
– God of War: Blood and Metal EP – a heavy metal homage featuring original music inspired by God of War (mp3 digital download).
It may be tough to find the God of War III Ultimate Edition online (try Amazon.com), but you may be able to find one at your local store. God of War III is now available for the PlayStation 3 (with a $10 credit here, while available).
XSEED Games has just released Lunar: Silver Star Harmony for the PlayStation Portable. The classic PlayStation RPG is revamped on the PSP platform with new graphics, soundtrack, voiceovers and quests. Lunar: Silver Star Harmony is available in a standard edition ($29.99) and Premium Edition ($39.99).
See what’s in the Premium (aka Limited) Edition in a series of unboxing pictures below (or in high-resolution here. The Premium Edition is a nice collector’s set which includes the Lunar game, soundtrack cd and 13 bromide collector cards packed into a nice foil cover box.
About Lunar: Silver Star Harmony – "Following the epic journey of a young boy whose adventures to become the Dragonmaster eventually set him on a path to save the world of Lunar, this classic RPG masterpiece has been reborn with all new graphics, added gameplay features, and a re-mastered soundtrack. This re-imagined entry welcomes a new audience to the unforgettable series, with added story elements sure to intrigue returning fans."
A demo of Lunar: Silver Star Harmony is available from the PlayStation Network. If you have already played the demo or you’re considering picking up Lunar: Silver Star Harmony, the demo clear data will give you bonus starting equipment in the full version of the game.
SEGA and Rebellion released the Aliens Vs. Predator standard edition and Aliens Vs. Predator Hunter Edition this week. Peek inside the Hunter Edition in a series of unboxing pictures. See the unboxing pictures here.
The Aliens Vs. Predator Hunter Edition (North America edition) includes:
- Aliens vs. Predator game disc
- Access to 4 multiplayer maps, before they are released to the public
- Fully articulated Facehugger model
- Dark Horse graphic novel
- Weyland-Yutani patch
- 3D lenticular postcard
- Limited Edition packaging
If you didn’t pre-order the Aliens Vs. Predator Hunter Edition, you can try and look for the Aliens Vs. Predator Hunter Edition for the PlayStation 3 here or Xbox 360 here.
For more details on Aliens Vs. Predator, visit sega.com.
2K Games today releases BioShock 2 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The sequel continues the undersea first-person action adventure from the 2007 hit, BioShock. BioShock 2 also introduces a multiplayer component. More on the single player and multiplayer experience is detailed below from 2K Games.
"BioShock represented a watershed moment in the gaming industry when it illustrated that games, like feature films, can be viewed as art – both in art design and in the rich depth of the narrative," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Most importantly, the media are stating what we’ve known all along; that whether or not you’ve played the original, BioShock 2 is a worthy successor to one of the best games of all-time that should not be missed."
Xbox 360 gamers can get BioShock 2 Avatar items from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace (here). PlayStation 3 gamers who pre-ordered from Amazon.com will be getting a Big Daddy outfit for their PlayStation Home avatar.
BioShock 2 is a production that spans multiple studios from 2K Games (developed by 2K Marin with 2K Australia and 2K China), as well as Digital Extremes for the multiplayer component.
Plenty of information on BioShock 2 and the original BioShock game can be found at the official website at www.bioshock2game.com, the official community and fan site at www.cultofrapture.com and at the teaser and immersive experience website, www.somethinginthesea.com.
