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Playstation Store 05/14/09

http://www.gamezone.com/news/05_13_09_11_01AM.htm

Serving Up a Plate of XBLA, PSN and WiiWare Fun with Diner Dash's Sabine Duvall

Serving Up a Plate of XBLA, PSN and WiiWare Fun with Diner Dash's Sabine Duvall
By Louis Bedigian

“The online leaderboards will be tracking top players, so you’ll both have some incentive to keep the diner running; but it doesn’t take long for things to get amazingly chaotic!”

By the end of the current generation, there will be more games available for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 than any other consoles before them. Part of this is due to the increased number of players, which opened the market to more developers. Another part comes from the creation of WiiWare, Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, three services that let you download hundreds of smaller, lower-cost games.

One of the games set to benefit from this service is Diner Dash. Based on the popular PC franchise, the game caters to the mainstream market console manufacturers have really been pushing for. "The digital download movement in this generation of consoles has enabled an entirely new audience to game on consoles," said Sabine Duvall, VP of Product Development. "With the immense popularity of Diner Dash and the sequels and off-shoots it’s created, we wanted to get this new audience into the crazy addictiveness that is the gameplay of Diner Dash. Throw eight-person multiplayer on top of this and the game becomes a perfect fit for the new services."

How is the Diner Dash gameplay being adjusted/upgrade for the consoles? It's clear that the graphics and gameplay perspective have changed from 2D to 3D…

Sabine Duvall: The most noticeable adjustments are upgrading Diner Dash gameplay into a more social experience. Co-op gameplay Diner Dash is here as you and a friend can take on the classic “Endless Shift” mode. It’s the single player gameplay, but tackled with a friend! As you continue to manage the diner, you’ll be able to get upgrades that will make running the diner a little easier, but at the same time add in new gameplay elements you’ll have to tend to as well. The online leaderboards will be tracking top players, so you’ll both have some incentive to keep the diner running; but it doesn’t take long for things to get amazingly chaotic!

Will we notice a distinct difference between the controls of this edition and its predecessors?

SD: Naturally, the transition from mouse and keyboard to controller will be different, but you’ll have just as much control over the action. We implemented hotkey functionality on the controller so certain buttons are mapped to specific tasks you’ll need to do in the diners. You still have full control of the character Flo with the analog sticks, but you’ll be able to breeze around your diners with ease.

What are some of the new challenges that will keep Diner Dash veterans busy?

SD: Veterans of the Diner Dash should have something to prove with these new editions. With online leaderboards, they’ll want to represent their skills on the console of their choice. The co-op and head to head gameplay will also allow them to challenge their expertise with or against others.

How are the point-and-click hotkeys being implemented, and how will they make the experience more intuitive?

SD: You’ll come to find that certain buttons on the controller will be mapped to specific tasks. For example, take the 360 version. The L trigger will instantly go to your que of customers waiting in line. The B button will guide Flo directly to bus tables. The X button takes Flo to the counter to drop an order off to the cook. These are meant to be a choice for the player to take; they can either control Flo directly, or, if the action is getting crazy, use the hotkeys to automatically put Flo on a quick set path so they can use that time to keep a look out for where their next move will be.

The gameplay is primarily timed, but will there also be a mode (perhaps for practicing) where no time limit exists?

SD: The closest thing to this is the Endless shift. As long as the customers are staying happy, you’ll be able to keep playing this mode and hone your techniques. We recommend setting it on easy so the pressure won’t be as intense!

Online multiplayer supports up to eight players. Is this a competition of who can serve the customers the fastest?

SD: There are a number of different factors that will affect the tips your character will get. Whoever has the highest tips at the end wins. Serving the customers is just one of the steps. If you can be the quickest on seating the customers, taking their order, serving their food, collecting the tips, and bussing the tables, then you’re in good shape. However, your rival can step in and do any of these tasks at any time the customer is ready, regardless of who had been serving them. You can also lose money if you’re not taking care of customers as well. Throw in a crowded restaurant, people constantly waiting in line, and upgrades for your character throughout the match, and you’ve got a pretty intense game!

Are there any other multiplayer competitions?

SD: Definitely! You can bring the competition with the head-to-head modes in the game. The cool thing about the head-to-head modes is that you can go one-on-one, or get a partner and compete against up to three other teams in the Team Dash mode. It’s as crazy as it sounds. All of these options are local and online multiplayer enabled, except for Team Dash, which is online-only.

I assume the one-on-one battles are for offline play?

SD: Online play is an emphasis in Diner Dash on XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare, but you’ll find that one-on-one battles can be played both off or online.

Tell us about the different diners within Diner Dash. How will each one differ in gameplay and aesthetics?

SD: While the core gameplay from diner to diner won’t change much (except for a surprise reserved for expert Diner Dash players), the themes will certainly make for some fun changes of environment. As you move through diners, they’ll also have unique side dishes or appetizers that customers will request while waiting for their food. If you can deliver these to the customers in the right amount of time, you’ll not only keep them from leaving the diner, but you’ll also gain some extra cash!

Thank you for your time.
 
Raist said:
Huh? Why?

Because we didn't have the PS1 version.
They could release the PSN one, but it would be 60 Hz only (etc... It's not a problem on HDTVs and PSP, but they could make an excuse of it).
So they won't.
 
Cannot wait for Zen Pinball. Pinball FX is awesome. I hope it gets the same kind of support. They kept adding tables even long after I figured they were done with it.
 
Which S-E RPGs are missing from the PS Store besides the main FFs ?

- Legend of Mana (I think we can hope to see it soon, since Secret of Mana has been released on VC)
- Chrono Cross
- Chrono Trigger port (not going to be released IMO)

What else ?
 
Aru said:
Which S-E RPGs are missing from the PS Store besides the main FFs ?

- Legend of Mana (I think we can hope to see it soon, since Secret of Mana has been released on VC)
- Chrono Cross
- Chrono Trigger port (not going to be released IMO)

What else ?


A big one is Vagrant Story.
 
Aru said:
Which S-E RPGs are missing from the PS Store besides the main FFs ?

- Legend of Mana (I think we can hope to see it soon, since Secret of Mana has been released on VC)
- Chrono Cross
- Chrono Trigger port (not going to be released IMO)

What else ?

Xenogears.
 
Aru said:
Because we didn't have the PS1 version.
They could release the PSN one, but it would be 60 Hz only (etc... It's not a problem on HDTVs and PSP, but they could make an excuse of it).
So they won't.

60Hz-compatible PAL TVs have been around for like 15 years now :/
 
Raist said:
60Hz-compatible PAL TVs have been around for like 15 years now :/

I know.
But tell me why they didn't release 60Hz only versions of their previous games then ? :|
The chance of having FFT on the PSN here is around 1% at most.

Sad but true.
Buy the PSP port. It's awfully slow and the storyline is crappy, but the gameplay is still enjoyable and quite challenging.
 
Aru said:
I know.
But tell me why they didn't release 60Hz only versions of their previous games then ? :|
The chance of having FFT on the PSN here is around 1% at most.

Sad but true.
Buy the PSP port. It's awfully slow and the storyline is crappy, but the gameplay is still enjoyable and quite challenging.

I don't have a PSP. And FFT is awesum >:[
 
Aru said:
Which S-E RPGs are missing from the PS Store besides the main FFs ?

- Legend of Mana (I think we can hope to see it soon, since Secret of Mana has been released on VC)
- Chrono Cross
- Chrono Trigger port (not going to be released IMO)

What else ?
Threads of Fate/Dew Prism, the Sagas, etc.
 
I really want Vagrant Story. It's one of the few Square games I didn't finish in the PS1 era.

Didn't SE give a specific number of titles they were going to release? I could have sworn they did.
 
biocat said:
I really want Vagrant Story. It's on of the few Square games I didn't finish in the PS1 era.

Didn't SE give a specific number of titles they were going to release? I could have sworn they did.

They did, but I think they went over that number already. Seems they like the PS Store.
 
jp.png
NOW UP!
/!\ Updates throughout the week.

GAMES

► PSP
○ Bleach ~Heat The Soul 6~ (¥3800)

ADD-ONS

► Idolmaster SP (PSP)
○ Plus A Bunch of Paid Content

► MotorStorm 2
○ Signature Collection Vol 1.

► Shin Musou Multi-Raid
○ Additional Content Version 12

THEMES & WALLPAPERS

► MotorStorm2
○ Theme



hk.png
NOW UP!
/!\ Updates throughout the week.

ADD-ONS

► PAIN ( English Ver. )
○ Sore Spots (HK$ 48.00)
○ Daxter Character
 
I really hope other companies besides Sony start releasing download versions of PSP games.

Another Bleach game does not excite me. I didn't even realize this one was coming.
 
Latest PEGI ratings: (nothing new/surprising)
  • Bejewled 2 (SOE Europe Ltd)
  • Bomberman Ultra (Hudson Soft Co. Ltd)
  • Texas Cheat'Em (D3 Publisher of Europe Ltd)
 
ESRB Watch: New PS1 Games Rated

King of Fighters '99 Sony Computer Entertainment America Teen Suggestive Themes, Violence PSP, PlayStation 3
Medal of Honor Underground Sony Computer Entertainment America Teen Violence PSP, PlayStation 3
R-Type Delta Sony Computer Entertainment America Everyone Mild Fantasy Violence PSP, PlayStation 3
Bowling Sony Computer Entertainment America Everyone No Descriptors PSP, PlayStation 3
NCAA Football 10 Electronic Arts Everyone No Descriptors Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
 
Shard said:
ESRB Watch: New PS1 Games Rated

King of Fighters '99 Sony Computer Entertainment America Teen Suggestive Themes, Violence PSP, PlayStation 3
Medal of Honor Underground Sony Computer Entertainment America Teen Violence PSP, PlayStation 3
R-Type Delta Sony Computer Entertainment America Everyone Mild Fantasy Violence PSP, PlayStation 3
Bowling Sony Computer Entertainment America Everyone No Descriptors PSP, PlayStation 3
NCAA Football 10 Electronic Arts Everyone No Descriptors Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

KoF99 ? Really ?
It's been out for a while on the HK/JP store :o
 
I wonder if Bionic Commando Rearmed will get the trophy patch soon with Bionic Commando coming out so soon...

Wishful thinking, probably.
 
acevans2 said:
I wonder if Bionic Commando Rearmed will get the trophy patch soon with Bionic Commando coming out so soon...

Wishful thinking, probably.

Well, the plan was the have trophies added to coincide with the next-gen game's launch. Haven't heard about it in a while, though.
 
(Feel free to add Euro prices. Thanks Goldrusher for his initial list as a starting point.)

eu.png
NOW UP!

DEMOS

► Zen Pinball
○ 230 MB

GAMES

► Bionic Commando Rearmed
○ On sale (5/14/2009 to 5/21/2009). Was: €9.99/£6.99; Now: €4.99/£3.99.

► Bejewled 2
○ £6.29

► Buzz Junior: RoboJam
○ £3.99

► Texas Cheat'em
○ £9.99

► Zen Pinball
○ £6.29

ADD-ONS

► Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
○ Additional Mission 1 (Free)
○ Additional Mission 2 (Free)
○ Additional Mission 3 (Free)

► Guitar Hero World Tour
○ Pop Rock Pack (€5.49/£4.39 | €1.99/£1.59)
♪ Pink - “So What”
♪ OneRepublic - “Stop and Stare”
♪ Angels & Airwaves - “Everything’s Magic”

► MotorStorm Pacific Rift
○ Lunar-Tec Signature Livery Pack (Free)

► Pain
○ Sore Spots (£3.99)
○ Daxter Pack (Free)

► Rock Band

○ Social Distortion Pack 01 (€3.99/£2.49 | €1.49/£0.99)
♪ "Bad Luck"
♪ "Ring of Fire"
♪ "Story of My Life"

○ Various songs (€1.49 / £0.99)
♪ Disturbed - "Stricken"
♪ Disturbed - "Stupify"
♪ Elvis Costello - "Radio Radio"
♪ The Replacements - "Kids Don't Follow"
♪ Steely Dan - "Black Friday"
♪ Steely Dan - "My Old School"

► Sonic Unleashed
○ Holska Adventure Pack (£2.39)

► Street Fighter IV
○ Complete Alternate Costume Pack (£9.99)

VIDEOS

► Killzone 2
○ The Making of Killzone 2
○ The Making of Killzone 2 - Conclusion

► Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
○ Signature Livery Trailer

► Pain
○ Sore Spots Trailer

THEMES & WALLPAPERS

► Bejewled
○ Theme (Free)

► Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
○ Signature Livery Theme (Free)
 
Update is up! At least in Holland.. Excuse the lay-out

Edit: Beaten XD

Also, I see no Guitar Hero World Tour stuff in Dutch Store.... :(
 
Buzz Junior: RoboJam

was reading and noticed this;

Grab a buzz! buzzer or a wireless controller and dive into five fantastic mini-games from the original Playstation 2 hit,which comes to PS3 with added trophy support. Time to get buzzing!

Anybody buy this ?
 
Yay, daxter pack for free! Getting that and the Zin Pinball demo maybe. If anyone gets the Sore Spots add-on, can you please give some impressions?
 
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