White Knight Chronicles

Russ tells of recent RPG releases and those to look for in February.

Level 5 is expanding beyond their headquarters in Fukuoka. The Professor Layton and Inazuma Eleven developer opened a new office in Tokyo. This office specializes in mobile projects such as ROID, new enterprises, and overseas business. Sounds like Level 5 is gearing up to distribute their intellectual properties worldwide.

Christian Cardona on US Playstation.Blog writes: So we know there are a bunch of people out there who are going to be getting a PlayStation 3 this holiday (or already opened theirs). Many new owners are probably going to ask us what we have to offer, and as many of you know, there's plenty! Level-5 and SCEA would like to add to that list of fantastic titles by announcing the North American release of White Knight Chronicles International Edition February 2, 2010.

Sony and Level 5 games have finally released the much-anticipated update for PS3 exclusive RPG White Knight Chronicles that allows players to use voice chat in game in towns and during quests. In addition to the voice chat update the game adds Playstation Home awards, which will allow players to unlock clothing and accessories for your PS Home avatar by completing certain tasks.

Japanese gamers are set to get some cool in-game bonuses for picking up the new 'EX Edition' of White Knight Chronicles. While the EX Edition is just the original version of White Knight Chronicles with all the updates released after the game originally came out included on the disc, the game will also come with a redeemable Playstation Network code which will offer some exclusive download items for players to use in game. While this won't be enough reason to get Japanese gamers to buy the game again, those who missed out can now pick up an up-to-date version of the game with some extra bonus items included. The game goes on sale on October 8th for the bargain basement price of 3,800 Yen.

Sony and Level 5 have partnered to offer new downloadable content for White Knight Chronicles via Playstation network for free. The DLC sends you on a quest to take out some Wind Dragons that'll net players some cool rewards. The DLC hits Japan on September 10th and is absolutely free. White Knight Chronicles is still awaiting a Western release a full year after its Japanese launch, and is expected to launch in a similar time-frame to Final Fantasy XIII.

PlayStation LifeStyle writes, In just over a week, PlayStation LifeStyle will be reporting live from the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). We've been trying to get a handle on the plethora of PlayStation games that will be on display from June 2 through June 4, and it's quite astounding. If you weren't excited about the prospect of new announcements for the PlayStation brand, what if we told you there will be over 75 unique PlayStation games on display - that we know about?! While many are multiplatform titles (though the best still appear to be Sony-exclusive), it is a large increase from last year's showing.

Confirmed content this week is pretty scarce. However what is confirmed is an exciting offering, mainly due to Zen Pinball. Texas Cheat Em will make the poker fans happy. Of course there is the weekly Rock Band and Guitar Hero DLC to look forward to. We are expecting a PSP game, as Sony makes more PSP games available as a digital download.

White Knight Story gets a significant playability update in Japan.

Killzone 2 finally comes out this Friday. Now that we will all be able to bask in it's glory, it's time to focus on the other great titles that will grace the PS3 exclusively this year.