“We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PLAYSTATION Home. Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation® tradition.”

The PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service that will become available in Fall 2008 will be built around providing new and fun community gaming experiences.

Details of the Closed Beta testing features, registration for the test and the opening of the service will be announced as they become available.

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced the official title of its first Silent Hill game for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360. Entitled Silent Hill: Homecoming, the game will be released end of September this year across Europe.

The sixth installment in the classic video games series, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces another protagonist to the mythos. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd’s Glen to Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother’s disappearance, and confront the evil lurks in the seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill.

Homecoming is the first Silent Hill title for the new wave of ‘next generation’ consoles, featuring all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before. Alex must survive attacks from the misshapen denizens of the town using an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters. Along the way, Alex will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and must also solve deadly puzzles as he uncovers the darkest secrets of Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.

Here are some Xbox 360 Screens to get you excited!

The momentum behind Xbox 360 continues to grow, as Microsoft today announced that European sales have more than doubled in the wake of recent adjustments of the estimated retail price (ERP), solidifying its leadership position as the number one next-generation console in Europe and significantly broadening the console’s audience.

“Xbox 360 is truly the next-generation console of choice among consumers, and today’s numbers are proof that we are delivering on our commitment to achieve critical mass in Europe,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. “The highly competitive ERP, coupled with entertainment content that’s appealing to everyone in the home, makes Xbox 360 the ultimate high-definition entertainment choice, and it’s clear that we’re already seeing this resonate with consumers.”

Xbox 360 is the number one next-gen console in EMEA, owning 42% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console in Europe with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii 3.5) after 27 months on the market.

On Friday, 14th March, Microsoft lowered the ERP for its Xbox 360™ family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of £159.99, Xbox 360 is a video game and entertainment system that is appealing to an even broader audience. Upcoming releases of blockbuster games such as “Grand Theft Auto IV,” “Rock Band,” “Lego Indiana Jones” and “Ninja Gaiden 2,” will continue this momentum and give consumers even more reasons to buy Xbox 360.

Take a look at this brand-new screenshot from Haze to get a sneak peek at what’s in store for gamers when the playable demo drops in early May. Single-player campaign or four-player co-op…just name your poison. It is nearly time to get your fix…

After launching in September 2007, millions of fans the world over still log onto Xbox LIVE every day to experience the award-winning action of “Halo 3” multiplayer. That experience expanded first in December with the release of the Heroic Map Pack, and today Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie release the next evolution with the Legendary Map Pack.

Available for 800 Microsoft Points exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, this second major downloadable content offering includes three new multiplayer maps, as well as a load of new Forge options.

Avalanche and Blackout revive two fan-favourite maps from previous “Halo” games, while Ghost Town welcomes desolate jungle combat to the experience. And now, using new options in the Forge, players can create more detailed challenges and map variants than ever, while also utilising a variety of visual effects to create new, unique screenshots and saved films.

Avalanche is a throwback all the way to “Halo: Combat Evolved.” This snowy battlefield was inspired by the original Sidewinder, but the massive, vehicle-oriented objective map adds a twist to its classic predecessor with all new interiors, dramatically reshaped exteriors and brand new vehicle variants. Admire the view from above, as Avalanche also marks the arrival of the Hornet to “Halo 3” multiplayer.

In keeping with the theme of “fan-favourites,” Blackout will fill the void left by fans of “Halo 2’s” Lockout. Although fully re-visualised, this map adheres very faithfully to the tightly wound perfection of the original, but eschews Forerunner architecture in favour of industrial human design. Blackout is perfect for fans of small battleground Slayer matches.

The Legendary Map Pack also packs a brand new punch, in addition to the two classics, with Ghost Town – a battle-scarred maze of narrow passages and dangerous ruins. Collapsed ceilings and shell-battered buildings provide both valuable cover and deadly traps, as catwalks and stairways take the fight from claustrophobic ground combat to dizzying rooftop battles. Ghost Town is a mid-sized map ideal for Team Slayer games and smaller, objective types.

As an added bonus, for a limited time only, gamers who purchase the Legendary Map Pack will receive a four month subscription to “Bungie PRO” via Xbox LIVE. Bungie PRO greatly expands the Halo 3 experience by increasing the maximum number of file share storage slots from six to twenty-four while also increasing the total file storage size to 250MB. This will allow players to upload and share more films, maps, screenshots and game-types than ever before.

The maps of the Legendary Map Pack are available in matchmaking today to those who have purchased the download. Additionally, fans that have yet to purchase the Heroic Map Pack, which released in December, can now download it for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Emergency Mayhem™ is now shipping to U.S. retail nationwide and will hit U.K. and European stores this Friday, 18th April, Codemasters® announced today. Coming exclusively to Wii™, Emergency Mayhem puts players at the helm of three emergency services in a frantic race against time to hold together Crisis City, a mad metropolis that’s falling apart at the seams.

Combining chaotic arcade driving with a huge range of mini-game challenges, players must race against the clock in one of three emergency vehicles – a fire-truck, ambulance or police patrol car to reach different incident scenes.

Typically, in Crisis City, incidents requiring attention are of a decidedly slapstick nature and Emergency Mayhem takes advantage of the Wii Remote in a huge variety of mini games that come into play once players reach an emergency scene. Pump the Wii Remote to practice CPR, point it to direct water from a powerful hose, mimic a wrench to bring bursting water-hydrants under control, or position a trampoline to save people leaping from burning buildings.

With an entire city to explore, three branches of the emergency services to control and over 30 types of emergency to deal with, players have a huge challenge to complete. Players can also share the mayhem with a fantastic multiplayer mode featuring mini-game challenges for up to four players. Compete in a tournament or battle against the clock in Survival mode as friends and family compete to be the best.

Get ready to bring some order to Crisis City with Emergency Mayhem now shipping, exclusively on Wii™. For the latest movie and monkey-adorned wallpapers, visit www.codemasters.com/emergency

The Official Xbox Magazine has reviewed GTA IV (Grand Theft Auto 4) and has basically said it is “The best open world game ever”.

The Verdict:

• Amazingly realistic World
• Stunning Action Set Pieces
• Genuinely engrossing storyline
• Hugely entertaining multiplayer
• Vast is every respect
• Utterly stunning in every respect
• 10/10

Get down to your local news agents and grab a copy of the magazine and read the review that rewards GTA IV with 10/10.

Official strategy guide expert, BradyGames today announces it has been working exclusively with Rockstar Games on the Grand Theft Auto IV Official Strategy Guide – the ultimate accessory to the year’s most highly anticipated game. Published by Dorling Kindersley, for PAL regions, the guide, which is the only choice for gamers looking to discover everything Liberty City has to offer, will be released the same day as the game on 29th April 2008, with an RRP of £12.99.

Like Liberty City itself, BradyGames’ Grand Theft Auto IV Official Guide is vast, weighing-in at 288 pages + 10-page foldout and has been written by two of the videogames industry’s most highly respected guide authors, Tim Bogenn and Rick Barbain, in direct collaboration with Rockstar Games for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360™. Everything from game basics, tips and weapons to vehicle missions, new multiplayer options, secrets and a full walkthrough are covered in lush detail, providing gamers with the only word on the Liberty City streets they’ll ever need to extort the most out of Grand Theft Auto IV.

Today also sees the launch of ‘Rockstar Social Club’ – an online leaderboard and community hub where GTA players will be able to measure their gameplay against their peers and compare various awards. Rockstar will be giving away very limited supplies of awards to players who achieve certain milestones first. The Official Guide is the only place you’ll find a complete list of how to attain all of the game’s Achievement Points and the associated bragging rights that go with knowing you’ve completed some of the game’s most gruelling tests before anyone else.

Beautifully crafted and illustrated, readers of this, the official companion guide to the world’s most anticipated game, can benefit from the hundreds of hours of play both authors have invested in covering every square foot of gameplay; no stone, cardboard box or back street ‘trash can’ has been left unturned to guarantee players get the utmost from a game featuring an unprecedented number of stories to tell, opportunities to take advantage of, secrets to discover, and rewards to stockpile.

Gary June, CEO, Dorling Kindersley, said: “The Grand Theft Auto series is a phenomenon and enjoys a following unlike any other game series. It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that anticipation for Grand Theft Auto IV has been gathering apace for a long, long time. It’s easily the most anticipated game of 2008 and we are delighted to be working once again with Rockstar Games on the official guide.”

Based on the popular US cartoon series of the 1960s, “Rocky and Bullwinkle” on Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast and fun party experience packed with more than 100 micro games. Eight playable characters from Frostbite Falls are back in the living room, including Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha, Dudley Do-Right and many more. “Rocky and Bullwinkle” features five difficulty settings, as well as support for up to 12 players in local hot-seat mode.

The game takes visual inspiration from the 1960s with a decidedly retro art style, but the fun is as modern as it gets. In fact, those who want to get up and move will enjoy 25 micro games that work with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera. By moving around and expressing gestures – like rowing a boat or throwing darts – players can control the action in the game!

“Battlezone” on Xbox LIVE Arcade adds exciting new multiplayer modes for up to two players both locally and over Xbox LIVE, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. Plus, players can use the Xbox LIVE Vision Cam to challenge opponents on the battle field. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and this revamped version of “Battlezone” is a must-have classic that fans and newcomers will enjoy.

To score points in “Battlezone,” players must shoot and destroy the enemy’s brigade including a standard enemy tank, supertank and a flying saucer.

Not sure if it is a GTAIV beater but what they are showing so far looks very nice indeed!