Yoostar today announced the upcoming release of its next generation video game, Yoostar2, for Kinect for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Move.

The company will unveil Yoostar2 this week to the gaming industry and press at the E3 Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

Yoostar2 allows players to perform in hundreds of famous movie scenes, record their performances, and share them with friends and family online. Using the sensor of the for Xbox 360 and the PlayStation Eye, Yoostar2 achieves Hollywood “green screen” style effects without the use of a green screen. In an instant, players can literally step into well-known movie scenes and play the roles of the world’s most famous actors.

“Yoostar2 will bring the magic and fun of Hollywood into living rooms across America,” said Gregory Fischbach, President and CEO, Yoostar Entertainment Group. “The new console platforms have allowed us to make the experience totally immersive and incredibly easy.”

Once a scene is recorded, players can upload their performances to Xbox LIVE or the PlayStation Network, share the performances on social networks such as Facebook and Yoostar.com and view them on virtually all devices, including Smart Phones, PC’s and Consoles. Players increase status through community participation, such as sharing, rating and commenting on others’ performances. “We have created something entirely new—a ‘Social Video Game’ that bridges the worlds of social games and video games,” said Fischbach. “The result is a game that’s incredibly fun to play with friends, lets you create and share your own video online, and provides a social game mechanic that motivates you to play and participate in the community. It’s like nothing the video game industry has seen before.”

Yoostar2 features an innovative user interface driven by Kinect for Xbox 360 gesture-based technology and PlayStation Move motion controllers and created by Blitz Games Studios, one of the world’s leading game developers. Players’ performances are scored, allowing them to rise from “struggling actor” to “superstar”, but the game also encourages improvised performances that draw on players’ creativity. Yoostar2 features multiple gameplay modes, including a “party mode” that allows a group of players to perform in quick succession and a progression mode where players face a series of challenges and unlock new scenes.

Yoostar has secured world-class movie content from leading motion picture studios, including Paramount, Universal, MGM, Lions Gate, and Warner Bros. The Yoostar library features hundreds of iconic movie scenes and top Hollywood talent. The game comes with 60 scenes, and players can purchase and download additional scenes from the Yoostar library during or apart from gameplay.

Yoostar will release more information about the game, including an official launch date, in the weeks to come. Updates will also be posted regularly to Yoostar2.com.

Sony today announced that it will release PlayStation Move motion controller*1 for the PS3 on September 15, 2010 in Europe/PAL territories and in Asian countries/regions*2 at a recommended retail price (RRP) of €39.99.

It will also become available in North America on September 19 at a RRP of $49.99 and in Japan on October 21 at a RRP of 3,980 yen (including tax). PlayStation Move navigation controller, one-handed controller to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects, will also become available on the same day in each region at a RRP of €29.99, US$29.99 and 2,980 yen (including tax), respectively.

Sony Computer Entertainment America will release a PlayStation Move bundle comprised of a PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray disc game and PlayStation Move demo disc for $99.99 (RRP). Additionally, a PlayStation 3 Sports Champion Move Bundle, which includes a PS3 system, PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray game and PlayStation Move game demo disc, will be available for $399.99 (RRP). The PlayStation Eye camera will also be sold separately for $39.99 (RRP).

On the software front, SCE Worldwide Studios will release more than 20 titles that are either dedicated to or supported with the PlayStation Move platform in fiscal year 2010 ending March 2011. Exciting and innovative software titles available in the launch window will include; Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition, Time Crises: Razing Storm, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest, EyePet, Sports Champions, Kung Fu Rider and many more*3. SCE, with support from third party developers and publishers, will continue to further enhance the software title line-up to offer high-definition motion-based gaming experience only available on the PS3 platform.
Furthermore, SCE also announced today the release of two PlayStation Move controller peripherals, “PlayStation Move Charging Station” and “PlayStation Move shooting attachment,” that will help further enhancing the PlayStation Move experience.

 PlayStation Move charging station
By utilizing the “charging station,” users will be able to charge up to two PlayStation Move controllers, motion controller or the navigation controller, at once without having to connect them to the PS3 system. The “charging station” will become available concurrently with the motion controller launch in each region at a RRP of €29.99, US$29.99 and 2,480 yen (including tax), respectively.
 PlayStation Move shooting attachment
The “shooting attachment,” designed to place the PlayStation Move motion controller horizontally, will allow players to hold the motion controller as if they are holding a gun and to easily aim at an in-game target. The trigger on the attachment is interlocked with the motion controller T button and will enable users to intuitively play the game, not only limited to shooting games but also on games that may require precise button input and control. It will deliver immersive gameplay and will work perfectly with software titles like The Shoot!*3 by SCE and Time Crises: Razing Storm by Bandai Namco Games Inc. which is expected to support the attachment. The “shooting attachment” will become available starting this fall in each region at a RRP of €14.99, US$19.99 and 1,480 yen (including tax), respectively.

Through the introduction of PlayStation Move controllers, attractive software line-ups and peripherals, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation.

*1 Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy PlayStation Move motion controller on PS3.
*2 Pricing of the motion controller in Asian countries/regions is equivalent to US$39.99. Pricing of the navigation controller is equivalent to US$29.99.The pricing will vary by countries or regions.
*3 Title line-up and release date will differ by each region. Please refer to the separately attached software line-up list for further details.

Sony today announced that it will offer PlayStation Plus, a new subscription service package on PlayStation Network.

In addition to the current free to use existing features and services, PlayStation Plus brings value-added offerings including exclusive services and content on June 29, 2010, worldwide. PlayStation Plus will further enhance PlayStation Network, which has recently achieved a cumulative number of registered accounts of over 50 million globally.

By accessing PlayStation Store via PS3, PlayStation Network users will be able to purchase membership*1 to PlayStation Plus, providing members with new options to expand and enhance their gaming experience and enabling them to gain an exclusive set of features and content. For users’ convenience, PlayStation Plus will be available in different subscription options of 30 days (Japan: 500 yen, Asia: HK$38), 90 days (North America: $17.99, Europe: €14.99) and 365 days (Japan: 5,000 yen, Asia: HK$233, North America: $49.99, Europe: €49.99).

PlayStation Plus features include*2:

 Full game trial*3
Members will have access to full versions of designated PS3 and PlayStation Network titles including PS one Archives (PS one Classics). The titles on offer will be available for download on PlayStation Store for a stated period and change every month. Members will be able to play the full version of the game for a designated period and even after the trial period expires, users will be able to continue playing the game by purchasing the game on-line*4.
 Games
Member will be able to play the full version of designated PS3 downloadable and PlayStation Network titles including PS one Archives (PS one Classics) and minis*5 with no limit of time as long as membership is effective. These games will become available exclusively for PlayStation Plus members at no extra cost.
 Special content
Content such as avatars and custom themes many of which are exclusive will become available for PlayStation Plus members at no extra cost.
 Discounts
Members will have access to exclusive discounts on designated PS3 and PSP titles. Titles will vary every month on PlayStation Store.
 Early access
Members will have early access to designated new game beta trials, game demos and video content prior to public distribution.
 Automatic content downloads and updates
PS3 will automatically download and install designated game demos and game updates and also download the system software update data*6. PS3 will automatically start up at a designated time to download content and will turn off after the download has completed.
Since its launch in November 2006, PlayStation Network continues to gain strong support from users around the world. It offers a broad range of on-line content and services, including on-line gaming, video chat and text messaging with other PS3 users on-line, as well as access to many games, videos and comic content downloadable from PlayStation Store.
Tailored to enhance the experience for PlayStation users, PlayStation Plus will further enrich the PlayStation Network gaming experience.
SCE, with its strong lineup of entertainment content and services on PlayStation Network, will deploy various measures to provide entertainment experience to PlayStation users, and further expand PlayStation platforms.

*1 PlayStation users can purchase PlayStation Plus membership through PlayStation Store on PS3 only. Users need to install PS3 system software version 3.40, which will be released on June 22nd, to enjoy PlayStation Plus.
*2 Content will vary by region.
*3 Expiration date will vary by content.
*4 Users will continue to enjoy games with previously saved data. Any trophies earned during the trial will also be unlocked.
*5 “minis” are not available in Japan.
*6 As the install requires users agreement, it will not be installed automatically.

Everyone now has the opportunity to become a global movie star with Yoostar2. In an instant you can step into the shoes of famous characters from hundreds of movies, play out the part and then share your performance with the world.

Yoostar Entertainment Group today announced the upcoming release of its next generation video game, Yoostar2, for Kinect for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Move system. The company will unveil Yoostar2 this week to the gaming industry and press at the E3 Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

Yoostar2 allows players to perform in hundreds of famous movie scenes, record their performances, and share them with friends and family online. Using the sensor of the for Xbox 360 and the PlayStation Eye, Yoostar2 achieves Hollywood “green screen” style effects without the use of a green screen. In an instant, players can literally step into well-known movie scenes and play the roles of the world’s most famous actors.

“Yoostar2 will bring the magic and fun of Hollywood into living rooms across America,” said Gregory Fischbach, President and CEO, Yoostar Entertainment Group. “The new console platforms have allowed us to make the experience totally immersive and incredibly easy.”

Once a scene is recorded, players can upload their performances to Xbox LIVE or the PlayStation Network, share the performances on social networks such as Facebook and Yoostar.com and view them on virtually all devices, including Smart Phones, PC’s and Consoles. Players increase status through community participation, such as sharing, rating and commenting on others’ performances. “We have created something entirely new—a ‘Social Video Game’ that bridges the worlds of social games and video games,” said Fischbach. “The result is a game that’s incredibly fun to play with friends, lets you create and share your own video online, and provides a social game mechanic that motivates you to play and participate in the community. It’s like nothing the video game industry has seen before.”

Yoostar2 features an innovative user interface driven by Kinect for Xbox 360 gesture-based technology and PlayStation Move motion controllers and created by Blitz Games Studios, one of the world’s leading game developers. Players’ performances are scored, allowing them to rise from “struggling actor” to “superstar”, but the game also encourages improvised performances that draw on players’ creativity. Yoostar2 features multiple gameplay modes, including a “party mode” that allows a group of players to perform in quick succession and a progression mode where players face a series of challenges and unlock new scenes.

Yoostar has secured world-class movie content from leading motion picture studios, including Paramount, Universal, MGM, Lions Gate, and Warner Bros. The Yoostar library features hundreds of iconic movie scenes and top Hollywood talent. The game comes with 60 scenes, and players can purchase and download additional scenes from the Yoostar library during or apart from gameplay.

Square Enix Ltd. today announced that FINAL FANTASY IX will be available to download from the PlayStation Store across PAL territories from today.

When the Queen of Alexandria begins terrorising neighbouring kingdoms with highly advanced magical weapons, a skilful young thief named Zidane forms a group made up of bandits, knights and magicians in an attempt to stop her. Little do they realise that the Queen’s warmongering actions are merely a cover for a far more sinister plot. For the sake of mankind, Zidane and his company must put an end to the Queen’s reign before she and the evil forces that accompany her can carry out the deadly plan.

Originally released in 2000, FINAL FANTASY IX makes a long-awaited return this week, via digital download on the PlayStation Store. The original PS one release has long been out-of-print and unavailable to a new generation of console owners and FINAL FANTASY fans. Now players will get another chance to own and experience the tale of a young thief and a battle of good over evil.

Larry Sparks, Vice President Brands PAL Region of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We’re very pleased to be able to welcome back another classic title in the company’s history. FINAL FANTASY IX is a perfect summer release for download and I am sure that it will attract many fans both old and new.”

FINAL FANTASY IX is available in all PAL countries where the PlayStation Store is available.

A couple of eagle eyed community members have spotted that the Split Second demo is now available for download.

Disney Interactive Studios announced a demo of Split/Second, the action racing game from award winning Black Rock Studio, is available now on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE. The Split/Second demo will be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE until May 11, when it will also become available on the PlayStation Network. Set within the world of a fictional reality TV show, Split/Second gives gamers the opportunity to not only race to the finish line, but also trigger explosive events to take out opponents, alter the track and become the season champion.

The demo will allow players to experience the Airport Terminal level in race mode. Players will race through a fictional airport terminal taking out opponents by triggering events, such as bringing down the air traffic control tower and a remotely piloted cargo plane, in an exciting race to the finish line.

Winner of the prestigious Game Critics Award: Best of E3 2009 for Best Racing Game, Split/Second will be released in North America on Tuesday, May 18 and in Europe on May 21. Split/Second is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older and will be available for 360, PS3 and PC.

Previously exclusive to select community members and available via giveaways on various websites, the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo is now available for download via Xbox LIVE and tomorrow on Playstation Network.
Featuring the Turbulent Jungle Map, one of the ten maps which will be available on retail disk, the Lost Planet 2 Multiplayer Demo previews the action packed mayhem that consumers can expect when Lost Planet 2 arrives in stores across Europe on May 11th 2010!

Sony today announced that PlayStation Move motion controller for PS3, launches worldwide this fall. 

Offering a motion-based, high-definition gaming experience unlike anything on the market. Concurrently with its launch, SCE will also release PlayStation Move sub-controller to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects.  The PlayStation Move platform, including the motion controller, sub-controller, and PlayStation Eye camera, together with a strong lineup of software titles, will deliver an innovative and highly immersive experience on the PS3 system.

The combination of the PS3 system and PlayStation Eye camera detects the precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of PlayStation Move motion controller, allowing users to intuitively play the game as if they themselves are within the game. PlayStation Move motion controller delivers unmatched accuracy through its advanced motion sensors, including a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor, as well as a color-changing sphere that is tracked by PlayStation Eye camera.  Through PlayStation Move system, both fast and subtle motion can be detected, whether the user is swinging a tennis racket, or painting with a brush.  With PlayStation Move motion controller, users can provide direct input through action buttons and an analog trigger, while receiving physical feedback from rumble functionality and visual feedback from the sphere’s ability to display a variety of different colors.  Furthermore, PlayStation Eye camera can capture the player’s voice or image, enabling augmented reality experiences.

The newly announced PlayStation Move sub-controller is a one-handed controller, developed to further expand the game play options that PlayStation Move games can offer.  PlayStation Move sub-controller features a sleek curved design that pairs with the motion controller and comes with an analog stick and directional buttons that allow users to easily control the game when moving characters or choosing a direction.  Like all other Wireless Controllers for the PS3 system, it comes with a built in lithium-ion rechargeable battery as well as Bluetooth technology, enabling the controller to transfer the input information wirelessly to the PS3 system without a cable.  PlayStation Move motion controller and sub-controller will further broaden the gaming experience on the PS3 system for all genres, from games that use one motion controller to games that use both controllers.

The introduction of PlayStation Move controllers has been well received within the industry and now 36 third party developers and publishers have decided to support PlayStation Move platform.  In fiscal year 2010, SCE Worldwide Studios will also release more than 20 games that are either dedicated to or supported with the PlayStation Move platform.

SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the PlayStation Move software title line-up and vigorously promote the PS3 platform.

Publishers involved in development of Playstation Move titles are:-

SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that full outfits from Aliens vs Predator are now available on PlayStation Home Thread Store for the PS3.

These costumes, a male and female version for each species in the game, are offered as complete packages, but also available to download separately.

These downloads are accessible for a limited time, and will be taken out of the Thread Store on the 31st of March.

Go to the Home Thread Store to get your hands on these costumes:

€2.99 for a complete costume.

€1.99 for a pair of trousers or a top.

€0.99 for a helmet or mask.

Sony execs and engineers must be breathing a little easier this morning as surprise, surprise, the problem with fat PS3′s has seemed to have corrected itself.

In what could have been a real logistical nightmare with a lot of sleepless nights, Sony have seemed to have come through the worst of it unscathed and ready to take the fight on once more.

“We are aware that the internal clock functionality in the PS3 units other than the slim model, recognised the year 2010 as a leap year. Having the internal clock date change from February 29 to March 1 (both GMT), we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally,” the publisher wrote on the official US blog.

“If the time displayed on the XMB is still incorrect, users are able to adjust time settings manually or via the internet. If we have new information, we will update you through the PlayStation.Blog or PlayStation.com.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”