Gamernode: Latest PlayStation 2 News

Square-Enix Announces US Release of Grandia III

The soaring Grandia RPG series will be continuing its US presence, Square-Enix announced in a December press release. This latest installment in the sky-pilot epic is the first to be produced by Square-Enix, but original developer Game Arts is still in charge of game creation. Slated for a February 2006 release, Grandia III promo trailers show exceedingly detailed cel-style FMV™s, a cinematic turn-based combat system rich with aerial combos, and breathtaking in-game vistas. A full voice cast has been announced (including Masaya Matsukaze, the voice of Ryo Hazuki of Shenmue fame), with Japanese singer Miz to perform the theme song. The Japanese release has enjoyed modest (by Square-Enix standards) success at home, but North American sales estimates are hopeful. Quotes Katsunori Saito,...

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Devil May Cry 3 Joins Greatest Hits

The smash PS2 hit Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition, developed by Capcom, will be included in Sony's "Greatest Hits" collection. The game will feature more than just a newly redesigned package, also included in the special edition will be a new playable characters, new enemies, combo modes, exclusive content, and a gang of new game options. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening is rated "M" for mature audiences only and is set for release on January 24 at retail locations throughout North America and will be listed at a retail price of $19.95

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Florida Fired Up Over New Atari Game

It seems that no child is safe from the influence of video game content. At least, that seems to be the message emanating from Florida politicians. The city of officials in Hollywood, Florida are making noises against Atari™s scheduled release of Marc Echo™s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure video game. The title offers the gamer the opportunity to engage in the art of graffiti. The protests revolve around the concerns that the game might encourage children to go on their own graffiti excursions in the real world. The opponents of the video game are asking Atari to cancel the game, which is scheduled for release in February 2006. Atari took issue with the complaints and responded in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel by saying, By no means is Atari encouraging vandalism or crimin...

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Tomb Raider: Legend Updates

A few items in brief: The official Tomb Raider website has been updated, featuring a new layout, new screenshots, concept art, and an interview with Toby Gard, who talks about everything from Lara's new look, to the direction of the franchise. Fans can register to Croft VIP for bonus content, and a 3D, interactive picture of Lara. The site will also be the first to have the latest news on the game, which is now due out in Spring 2006 for the PC, Xbox, Xbox360, and PS2. Tomb Raider: Legend is officially delayed, along with Hitman: Blood Money. SCi stated that the delaye was to maximize their hit potential, whatever that means. Eidos will be releasing information about the handheld version of Tomb Raider: Legend for the PSP in the coming months. Keep posted here at GamerNode for news on that...

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No 50 Cent: Bulletproof Down Under

Looks like the Aussie Ratings Commission has once again stamped it's foot in the face of game publishers with it's stance on violent content by banning 50 Cent: Bulletproof from Australian shores. The game was refused classification by the Classification Review Board after extensive gameplay of the 'arcade game' proved too violent for the Australian market. The high level of detail, slow motion kills, the ability to kill as a victim crawls away, victims begging or groaning before being shot/killed and on-screen blood spatter would not meet the requirements of a MA15+ classification and therefore will not be sold in Australia. Classified RC (Refused Classification), 50 Cent: Bulletproof won't be able to be hired, sold, advertised or demonstrated in Australia and Aussie gamers will have to m...

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Bully Gets Bullied by British

The British Parliament has kicked sand in the face of Rockstar about its intended release of Bully, a video game in which gamers take on the character of bullies harassing and physically abusing school children. Although the game is not scheduled for release until next year, Rockstar™s latest offering for video game store shelves has generated passionate protests from children™s rights groups and parents.

The clamor generated by British citizens, has apparently caught the attention of Parliament member, Keith Vaz. Vaz raised pointed questions to the House of Commons leader about the game and asked, Do you share my concern at the decision of Rockstar to publish a new game called Bully in which players use their on-screen persona to kick and punch other schoolchildren? Will you a...

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The God of War Movie

"God of War", Sony,s blockbuster action video game based upon Greek mythology, is slotted to become a movie. Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to produce the film. The recent move by Hollywood to secure motion picture rights to video games has increased because these types of movies make money for the studios... if done correctly (see: "Mario Bros.") David Jaffe, head designer and director of "God of War" said in an interview with MTV that, "I'm not 'sort of there, making the movie. I'm more making sure the property keeps its integrity and sort of a big fanboy on the sidelines excited to see it and hoping it turns out great. They ask me questions like, 'Does this fit in the 'God of War' universe? Is this something Kratos would do?'" (Kratos is the main character of the game). Who ...

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Controversy Surrounds Bully

RockStar, publishers of the controversial Grand Theft Auto series, is in hot water again as it finds itself deep in stormy protests from parents and children™s advocate groups concerning the upcoming title, Bully. The game, scheduled for release in April of 2006, is based upon the storyline of school bullies harassing and physically abusing their classmates. In one pre-release screenshot, a bully is attacking a student while another looks on and is apparently about to join in the foray. Ms. Liz Carnell, director of "Bullying Online", an organization which helps parents, children and adults to combat and cope with bullying, said in an interview with the BBC, "Bullying is not a suitable theme for a game. It diminishes the suffering of victims. And such games give the impression that th...

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