Like me I’m sure all of you PlayStation gamers out there have already written a few letters to Santa with your requests.

If you haven’t there’s still time as Xmas approaches quicker than a reindeer driven sleigh.

This Xmas sees a wealth of PS exclusives on the wishlists, such as Insomniac’s Spider-Man, Detroit Become Human and the always epic God of War.

However PlayStation has soooo much more.

With their recently released PlayStation Classic you can embrace the small but mighty console that set the stage for the PS games we play today. This limited-edition console is a replica of the 1994 original model and will bring back all your best memories from the 90’s. The console comes pre-loaded with 20 old school games including Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3 and many more, and comes equipped with two wired controllers, an HDMI cable to connect to your TV, plus a virtual memory card to save your adventures as you switch between titles. All this retro goodness will set you back at only $RRP 169.99 NZD.

The newest controller from PlayStation, the DualShock4 Wireless Controller, is the perfect gift for any gamer this Christmas. Keep it cool with midnight blue or embrace the unique with green camouflage or gold – the DualShock4 comes in 14 fresh new colours, you are spoilt for choice. The revolutionised technology offers a new precise and evolved controller.

Looking to show a gamer in your life some love this Christmas? PlayStation Plus is a subscription that will enhance their free and existing Sony Entertainment Network account and help them to get the most out of their PS4 system. Those with a subscription can enjoy online multiplayer, monthly plus games, auto game patch download from rest mode, 10GB of online storage for game saves, exclusive content and discounts in PlayStation store as well as exclusive early access to new full game trials, demos and public beta trial.

If you’re looking to be part central this festive and New Years season – PlayStation has you covered there aswell, with their Playlink range.

PlayStation’s PlayLink is all about social gaming that everyone can enjoy! Instead of the standard controller, the games are playable on your smartphone or tablet and designed for 2-6 players. PlayLink games could be considered modern day board games, offering a refreshing experience that encourages interaction and quality time. PlayLink title Chimparty is the perfect family friendly game, check out Knowledge is Power: Decades for a super fun games night, or enjoy the large range of other games available.

So gather around with family, friends or frenemies and grip your smartphones, your PS4 controllers and celebrate Xmas 2018 the PlayStation way.

The post Make it a PlayStation Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

When you step through the gates of Auckland Armageddon Expo for the first time it can be somewhat of an overwhelming sight.

With hundreds of people jammed together close enough so everyone’s bags or costumes rustle against each other, Auckland Armageddon or ‘#Auckgeddon’ takes all the other Armageddon Expos from around the country (New Zealand) and throws them out the window. The bright colours of cosplayers and extravagant displays shine boldly across your eyes as you try to think of where to go first.

As a team member of STG (shanethegamer.com), I attended Auckland Armageddon Expo for 2017. Surprisingly enough, this huge entertainment buff had never attended Auckland’s infamous showcase of entertainment, pop culture, gaming, technology and celebrity guests. As a previous attendee of the Wellington and Christchurch expo for the first time at the start of the year, I soon realised that each expo was individual in its own ways and that in turn created a certain vibe or atmosphere for each event. Auckland’s was crazy and chaotic but in a fun and exciting way. Armageddon is a celebration of all things entertainment and that’s something to make you smile, even despite your sore feet, back or head.

First up was something I was very curious to try: Lenovo Legion and the Star Wars Jedi Challenges.

As someone who only recently joined the Star Wars phenomenon (I know, I’m a shocker), there was certainly an excitement brewing at the thought of wielding a lightsaber and facing off against deadly foes. The overall experience was shaped by friendly staff who were as helpful and intrigued by the future of gaming as I was. Although a demo was used inside a booth because the environment didn’t allow for the true AR experience or ‘in your home’ setting, it still gave you a chance to give the controls, headset and ‘lightsaber’ a try. The gameplay opted for a ‘tutorial’ simulation that felt a tad limiting but at the same time made perfect sense since – I doubt I would have had a chance at succeeding otherwise!

The Nintendo booth was that area in the halls that instantly made you smile because seriously, who doesn’t love Mario and his band of brothers and sisters? My hands-on experiences at the Nintendo booth were Elder Scrolls Skyrim on the Switch and Mario’s latest adventure Super Mario Odyssey. As soon as I explained that I’d never gotten my hands on the Switch before, the team was super helpful with the controls and went over all of Mario’s new moves in Odyssey that are controlled by movement. It was a lot of fun and I wish I got to spend more time with it. Perhaps it may be time to invest in a Switch after all…

There’s no denying that PlayStation was the ‘it’ booth to be at. Their elaborate display felt more like a permanent set up as opposed to one set up for a few days. Quantic Dream (aka the makers of Heavy Rain and Beyond Two Souls) allowed people to try the demo for their upcoming game Detroit Become Human. Although I’m a tad biased because Beyond Two Souls is one of my favourite games, I couldn’t contain my excitement at the thought of being able to try a snippet of the game. The ‘Hostage’ demo gave players the chance to play as the android Connor, one of the three protagonists.

Without going in to details, I am pleased to say that I had a 99% chance success rate which I bet I won’t be able to replicate in my own playthrough because of it’s incredibly individual experience every time.

My PlayStation VR game demo was Elder Scrolls Skyrim and I sensed it’s potential immediately. It may need a bit of fine tuning e.g. with the controls and actions/reactions but I’m hoping to get my hands on the final product to adjust it for me specifically and get a bit more time to be comfortable with it.

Not too far from the PlayStation booth was a mashup between Samsung and Xbox, where on dazzling QLED 75 inch screens, the up coming Xbox One X was playing a hands on run with Forza 7. Aswell as these super HDR TV’s Samsung also showed that they could cater for PC Gamers with their wide PC Gaming monitors.

Next to them was a Racing kit (chair, steering wheel and screen) setup with Logitech G Series who was also showcasing their latest bits in PC peripherals and just around the corner and over a bit was the magnificent wide berth HP Omen stand.

HP Omen had a very big dominance of the floor with Omen gaming laptops at the ready, the very large Omen X desktop PC on a stand with an HTC Vive connected to it. Dual player VR Gaming showed off the power of the Omen X. It’s not all size but grunt aswell.

New Zealand’s own professional eSports crew Let’s Play Live were also there towards the back of the second hall. Here they were streaming and broadcasting live gameplay matches with audience participation.

But if the big names and games weren’t your thing, then there was still a lot more to choose from such as cosplay events, shops with pop culture goodness, competitions and celebrity talks, photo sessions and autograph sessions. These shops and events is where the commercial beating heart of where Armageddon lies.

Another year and another Armageddon Expo is over. Despite certain booths standing out from the rest, the overall atmosphere established is hard to come by at any other event, making Armageddon the ‘it’ destination of Labour weekend in Auckland.

The post Armageddon Expo 2017! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

At the Sony PlayStation Press Conference at E3 in L.A. today Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) unveiled Hideo Kojima’s first Kojima Productions title DEATH STRANDING for PlayStation 4 (PS4) and its first teaser trailer. As with all of his past masterpieces, the latest title will be produced, written, directed and designed by Hideo Kojima himself. The lead character will be played by Norman Reedus.

“Today I am very excited to be able to deliver this teaser trailer of DEATH STRANDING, which marks a fresh new start for Kojima Productions,” said Hideo Kojima, Game Designer, Kojima Productions. “Since the establishment of Kojima Productions last December, I have been fully focused on what lies ahead. Thanks to our fans and everyone at SIE who has been supporting us as our partner, and we look forward to delivering ground breaking ‘play’ to our users worldwide.”

Aswell as DEATH STRANDING there was also debuted a line-up of premier content for PlayStation 4, including Days Gone (SIE Bend Studio), Spider-Man (Insomniac Games), LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens (TT Games and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment), God of War (SIE Santa Monica Studio), FINAL FANTASY XV (Square Enix), RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard (Capcom Co.), and many more.

SIEA also announced the North American launch date as October 13th, 2016, for the release of PlayStation VR (PS VR), a virtual reality system that takes PS4 to the next level of immersion. PS VR will also launch in Australia and New Zealand on October 13th, 2016.

Along with the launch date announcement, SIEA unveiled a breadth of unique PS VR experiences, including Farpoint (Impulse Gear), Star Wars Battlefront: X-Wing VR Mission (Electronic Arts), and Batman: Arkham VR (RockSteady and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment).

“PlayStation’s heritage has been built around innovation and ground-breaking gaming experiences, and today’s reveals of new PS4 and PS VR content speaks to our continued commitment to this evolution of gaming,” said Shawn Layden, President of SIEA and Chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios. “From the reimagining of God of War to the brand new world of Days Gone, this E3 marks one of the best content line-ups in PlayStation history. With the launch of PS VR on the horizon, innovation also has never been stronger at PlayStation as developers, from smaller independent teams to larger studios, have been able to quickly leverage the technology and create unique experiences that truly embody VR’s potential.” PlayStation 4 continues to remain the fastest-selling console in PlayStation history with more than 40 million units sold worldwide, and new game announcements revealed on stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles demonstrated how PS4’s library will further expand with an unparalleled line-up of games.

SIE’s Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS) unveiled three new ambitious games during the show — God of War, Spider-Man and Days Gone. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, God of War opened the show with a reveal showcasing a refreshed gameplay experience that continues the next chapter for iconic character, Kratos. As part of the reveal, renowned musical artist Bear McCreary, composer for God of War, shared his score for the game while conducting an incredible live orchestra.

The debut of Spider-Man for PS4 introduced players for the first time to an authentic new Spider-Man story and universe being developed through a close collaboration between Insomniac Games, Marvel and San Mateo Studio. Additionally, Days Gone marks the long awaited return of Bend Studio, who debuted a trailer highlighting a story about loss and regret set in a stunningly realistic high-desert of the Pacific Northwest, and closed the press conference with a live demonstration of emergent, open-world gameplay.

Other featured titles from SIE WWS included highly-anticipated titles Horizon Zero Dawn, Detroit: Become Human, and The Last Guardian. SIEA also announced that The Last Guardian will launch on October 25th, 2016 (October 26th in Australia and New Zealand).

It was also announced that PlayStation has worked with Activision to bring back one of PlayStation’s most fan favorite characters, Crash Bandicoot.

Coming to PS4 first this October, Crash appears in Skylanders Imaginators, the latest game from one of the most beloved franchises. Additionally, in 2017, fans can play Crash 1, Crash 2, and Crash Warped, fully remastered for PS4 by Activision and Vicarious Visions.

SIE will also continue its partnership with Activision on Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, ensuring once again that PlayStation is home to one of the world’s biggest franchises. PlayStation 4 gamers will be the first to play all downloadable map packs from Infinite Warfare, and those who prepurchase select editions of the game for PS4 will be the first to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered’s campaign 30 days prior to launch on November 4th, 2016.

The post Kratos Returns – PlayStation Conference Announcements @ E3 2016! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.