10/21: Bioshock [metacrtic] - perfect port of the 360 version (include issues in it), plus all the released DLC and a super hard Survival mode. More DLC is promised. Includes a 10 minute install, though it's said it reduces the time on loading screens. Biggest complaint is it took one year to port.
10/19: Rock Band 2, guitar and track pack [metacrtic] - this sounds like more improvements than a big change, but it's still getting excellent reviews. Obvious changes: 84 new songs, option of moving the songs from RB1 for a fee. It's a more casual/party game friendly: players can join/drop out between songs easier, you can turn on a No Fail mode to allow you just to play full thru a song despite how well you play, and you set up a playlist. The single player World Tour and the gameplay itself isn't much different - guitar is a little harder, vocals are a little easier (for the talking segments.) Online play is more varied, and there's bonus challenges based around DLC.
10/21: Midnight Club: Los Angeles [metacritic] - a racing game on the PS3. A lot of reviews of the "it's the same game it's been for the last few, but it's still great" type. Everyone gives it press for being a 16 player online mode and looking beautiful. Gamespot says it's excessively difficult. PSXextreme differs - it's excessively cheap AI. Midnight Club on PS2 was the first game I got for that system and always disliked it, so perhaps I'm extra skeptical here.
10/21: Far Cry 2 [metacritic] - Hey, a first person shooter on PS3. Also, has little to do with Far Cry. Sandbox-type shooter (1UP calls it GTA: Mogadishu. Most complained about: the long car/bus rides between objectives (including repetitive attacks from hostile forces.)
10/21: Eternal Sonata [metacritic] - 360 port of an RPG (!), with more dungeons and playable characters in this version (slow saving being the only noted drawback.) You're playing in the dreams of a dying musician, with more action based combat and a linear story structure. As common with games revolving around dying musicians, the music's really good.
10/21: Spider-Man: Web of Shadows [metacritic] - disappointing repetitive gameplay with a lacking story (though the branching aspect of making choices is complimented.)
10/20: Monopoly - there's no reviews, not one's quite sure if this actually came out this week or not. But it's MONOPOLY. You should know if you need a $40 PS3 Monopoly without a review.
Downloadable Games - Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One {$15} - already released elsewhere, future episodes are supposed to be out at the same time.
- Prince of Persia Classic {$10} - name is a misnomer; it's the redone version of the old game with HD graphics, as a teaser for the upcoming sequel.
PS1 Classics
Add On Content - BUZZ! Quick TV Pack: Horror {$6} - wisely timed!
- High Velocity Bowling {$1 each} * All Hallow's Eve Ball Pack (Halloween bowling ball art) * Foxy (character/lane) * Chastity (character/lane)
Soulcalibur IV * Yoda {$5} - 360 "exclusive" character not so exclusive
Mega Man 9 - Hero mode {$1} - new higher difficulty mode - SuperHero Mode {$1} - new highest difficulty mode - Special Stage {$1} - a Time Attack stage
Guitar Hero World Tour *"Hot Blooded" by Foreigner ($2) *"Jessie’s Girl" by Rick Springfield ($2) * "Rock and Roll Band" by Boston ($2) (or all 3 for $5.50) * Guitar Dual Track Pack (free) * Neversoft Track Pack (free)
Rock Band * "Dr. Feelgood" - Mötley Crüe {$2} * "Kickstart My Heart" - Mötley Crüe {$2} * "Rattlesnake Shake" - Mötley Crüe {$2}
* "On a Plain" - Nirvana {$2} * "Polly" - Nirvana {$2} * "Something in the Way" - Nirvana {$2} * "Stay Away" - Nirvana {$2} * "Territorial Pissings" - Nirvana {$2} * "Breed" - Nirvana {$2} * "Lounge Act" - Nirvana {$2} or all 7 at $11
Game Demos - Valkyria Chronicles - LEGO Batman
Game Videos - PAIN (2) - SOCOM - Dead Space - Disney Sing IT - Guitar Hero World Tour (2) - Legendary - NHL (2) - Tom Clancy's End War
PS3 Theme - Wipeout HD - Mega Man 9 (5) {$2} - Silent Hill - Eternal Sonata - SAW Legacy {$2}