Play Sam again

Ubisoft's got a lot of Wii U games to show off next Monday, and one of them might feature everyone's favourite gruff-voiced special agent spy that's not Solid Snake.

According to reports, Splinter Cell: Blacklist is heading to Wii U, PS3 and Xbox 360 in early 2013. Ubisoft has refused to comment, saying only it "doesn't comment on rumour and speculation," but we guess we won't have to wait too much longer to find out how real this one is.

Ubisoft's E3 2012 press conference is on Monday 4th June at 3pm Pacific time — that's 11pm UK.

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A mixed bag

Plenty to choose from this week and no time to waste, so here's what's up today.

PS Plus

Mad Riders (PS3) including DLC
Price: £7.99,€9.99,AU$15.95

PS3 Games

Mad Riders (Trial also available)
Mad Riders is an adrenaline-fueled off-road arcade racing game, that will let you perform amazing aerial stunts and race on over 45 stunning tracks from all over the world, at breathtaking speeds.
Price: £7.99,€9.99,AU$15.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: All, File Size: 1285MB

Men In Black: Alien Crisis
It’s your turn to suit up as the newest MIB recruit to eliminate the scum of the universe. Arm yourself with a full arsenal of iconic MIB weapons and head into the field with the mission to investigate and stop an evil alien plot to snatch up an ancient artifact that is the key to seizing control of the universe.
Price: £39.99,€59.99,AU$99.95, PEGI: 12, Availability: All, File Size: 6112MB

Prototype 2 [Prototype 2 review]
WELCOME TO NEW YORK ZERO. Experience Sgt James Heller hunt, kill and consume his way toward the ultimate goal – to kill Alex Mercer!
Price: £49.99,€69.99, PEGI: 18, Availability: Not available in AU, NZ, UA, File Size: 13GB

RIDGE RACER 7
Ridge Racer 7 returns to PlayStation 3, with stunning stereoscopic 3D visuals. Choose from 40 machines and over 40 courses for a driving experience unlike any other. Access 375,000 visual customization and 7,150 tunable combinations, or race against challengers from around the world with full support of PlayStation Network. Ridge Racer 7 only comes to life with the aid of a 3D Ready TV.
Price: £14.99,€19.99,AU$29.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: All, File Size: 7624MB

SBK Generations
The official game of the FIM Superbike World Championship is back with the most complete motorcycling simulation ever created. Live through the last four seasons of the SBK world championships and become world champion!
Price: €29.99,AU$39.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: Not available in BU,CR,IS,KU,LU,QT,SA,SL,TK,UK,GB

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition brings the final throwdown to consoles. Featuring 4 new characters, rebalanced game play, and an updated user interface, Arcade Edition is truly the definitive version of Street Fighter.
Price: £14.99,€19.99,AU$29.95, PEGI: 12, Availability: All, File Size: 18GB

PS3 Demos (Free)

Top Gun: Hard Lock Demo
PEGI: 16, Availability: Not available in BU, HR, CZ, DE, HU, IN, IS, KU, PL, PT, QA, RU, SA, SL, TR, UA, AE, File Size: 450MB

PSVita Games

Resistance: Burning Skies Special Edition
Compatible with PlayStation Vita only.
Resist the Chimeran invasion as Tom Riley, a lone New York firefighter.
For a limited time only, download Resistance: Burning Skies and you’ll also receive a skin for your PS Vita home screen, three PSN avatars and a multiplayer booster – at no extra charge.
Price: £39.99,€44.99,AU$62.95, PEGI: 16, Availability: All, File Size: 3.5GB

PSVita Demos (Free)

Gravity Rush
PEGI: 12, Availability: All, File Size: 492MB

PS2

Conflict: Vietnam
Compatible with PlayStation 3.
Trapped behind enemy lines, in the heart of the Vietnamese jungle, the Viet Cong lie in wait… everywhere. You must use your squad’s skills, determination and immense firepower to outsmart the enemy and battle your way to freedom.
Prices: £5.49,€6.99,AU$11.45, PEGI: 16, Availability: All, File Size:2569MB

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon
Compatible with PlayStation 3.
When new leaders in Russia attempt to rebuild the Iron Curtain, war escalates, casualties mount, prisoners are taken, and the Ghosts are sent in. Take a highly skilled Ghost team through a series of missions that range from demolitions to search-and-rescue and all-out firefights for survival.
Prices: £5.49,€6.99,AU$11.45, PEGI: 16, Availability: All, File Size: 1604MB

PSP

Blazing Souls Accelate
Compatible with PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PlayStation Vita.
Zelos, who makes his living as an independent contractor, obtains a crystal infused with magical energy called a “Core Elemental” after a freak accident. Almost as soon as it fell into his hands, Zelos was besieged by a number of mysterious beings intent on taking the power of the elemental for their own.
Prices:£15.99, €19.99, AU$19.99, PEGI: 12, Availability: Not available in AU, DE, NZ, File Size: 431MB

minis

Rasmus Klump in Pingonisen
Prices: €3.99, PEGI: 3, Availability: AUSTRIA, DE only

PS3 DLC

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice Of Arland

• Meruru Mix Pack (£2.39,€2.99,AU$4.95)
• Rufus (£3.19, €3.99, AU$6.95)
  PEGI: 12, Availability: Not available in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Sweden

Batman: Arkham City
Harley’s Revenge
Prices: £6.49,€7.99,AU$12.95, PEGI: 16, Availability: All

Dragon’s Dogma

• From A Different Sky – Part 2 (£0.79, €0.99, AU$1.75)
• Weapon Pack: The Monster Hunter (£2.39, €2.99, AU$4.95)
  PEGI: 12, Availability: All

Elevator Action Deluxe
Additional Stages -5-
Prices: £1.59,€1.99,AU$3.45, PEGI: Rating Here, Availability: Not available in BU,HU,QT

LittleBigPlanet 2
Starhawk Minipack
Prices: £2.39,€2.99,AU$4.95, PEGI: 7, Availability: All

Mad Riders
Mad Riders + Daredevil Map Pack
Prices: £7.99,€9.99,AU$15.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Mass Effect 3
Map Pack 2
Prices: Free, PEGI: 18, Availability: All

MotorStorm RC

• Special Rally Car: Whippy (£0.21, €0.25, AU$0.25)
• Special Race Truck: Lunar-Tec Screamer (Free for 7 days only!)
• Veteran Big Rig: Nord Kodiak (£0.40, €0.49, AU$0.90)
  PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Prototype 2
Excessive Force Pack
Prices: £3.99,€4.99,AU$8.45, PEGI: 18, Availability: All

PSVita DLC

MotorStorm RC

• Special Rally Car: Whippy (£0.21, €0.25, AU$0.25)
• Special Race Truck: Lunar-Tec Screamer (Free for 7 days only!)
• Veteran Big Rig: Nord Kodiak (£0.40, €0.49, AU$0.90)
  PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Touch My Katamari
Katamari Fans (Free)
PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Avatars

Dynasty Warriors 7

Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Cao Cao)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Deng Ai)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Gan Ning)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Liu Bei)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Sima Zhao)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Sun Jian)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Sun Shangxiang)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Wang Yuanji)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Xu Zhu)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Zhuge Liang)
Prices: £0.40,€0.49,AU$0.90
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Dynasty Warriors Next

Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Cao Pi)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Cao Ren)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Diaochan)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Guan Ping)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Guo Huai)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Huang Gai)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Pang Tong)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Xiahou Ba)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Xiaoqiao)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Zhou Tai)
Prices: £0.40,€0.49,AU$0.90, Availability: Not available in New Zealand

The Studio Avatars

Hydro74 Avatar 7
Hydro74 Avatar 8
Jasper Goodall Avatar 1
Jasper Goodall Avatar 2
Jasper Goodall Avatar 3
Prices: £0.21,€0.25,AU$0.45, Availability: All

Warriors Orochi 3

Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Benkei)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Himiko)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Nu Wa)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Sanzang)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Sun Wukong)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Yoshitsune Minamoto
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Zuo Ci)
Prices: £0.40,€0.49,AU$0.90
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Themes

PREMIUM THEME

NATURE

Bees in Bloom Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

DYNAMIC THEMES

ABSTRACT

Dynamic Grunge Blood Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

GAMES

Assassin’s Creed III – Theme 1 (£2.39/€2.99/$4.95)
Batman: Arkham City Premium Theme (£2.39/€2.99/$4.95)
Ghost Recon Future Soldier Theme 1 (£2.39/€2.99/$4.95)
“Wanted Corp.” Dynamic theme – Maddogg (£0.79/€0.99)

MILITARY

Dynamic Sniper Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

NATURE

Dynamic Gulfoss Waterfall Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)
Dynamic River Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

PLACES/LANDMARKS

Dynamic Big Ben Theme UK (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)
Dynamic China Shanghai Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

SCI-FI/FANTASY

Burial Ground: Dead in the Water (£1.99/€2.49/$4.25)
Dynamic Dragon Battle Theme 2 (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

Videos

Access Episode 036 (GB Only)
Access Episodes 01-036 now available on Vita.
Sorcery Launch Trailer
Hitman Absolution E3 Saints Trailer (Not available in DE)

Make sure you check out that Hitman trailer, it's a hoot. Anyway, anything coming home with you today?

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Resistance is futile

Vita plays host to another big Sony franchise this week as the Chimera land on Vita. More cerebral pursuits include chess and a playable demo of one of the machine's most anticipated games. Here's what's out this week.

PlayStation Plus

Full Game Trial: Assassin’s Creed Revelations Full Game Trial [Assassin's Creed Revelations review]

Rayman Origins Full Game Trial [Rayman Origins review]

PS3 Games Rayman Origins (PS Plus Price: $23.99)

PS3 Ultimate Edition Bundles: MotorStorm Apocalypse (PS Plus Price: $35.34) [MotorStorm Apocalypse review]
BioShock 2 Complete Edition (PS Plus Price: $19.59) [BioShock 2 review]
Call of Duty: Black Ops Bundle (PS Plus Price: $46.54) [Call of Duty: Black Ops review]
inFAMOUS 2 Complete Edition (PS Plus Price:$23.79) [inFAMOUS 2 review]
Just Cause 2 Ultimate Edition (PS Plus Price:$14.69) [Just Cause 2 review]
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition (PS Plus Price: $19.59) [L.A. Noire review]
Mafia II Bundle (PS Plus Price:$14.69) [Mafia II review]
Mortal Kombat Bundle (PS Plus Price:$24.49) [Mortal Kombat review]
Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare Collection (PS Plus Price:$19.59) [Red Dead Redemption review]

Avatars: Rayman Origins: Globox Toe-grab avatar (PS Plus Price: FREE)
Rayman Origins: Baby Dragon avatar (PS Plus Price: FREE)
Rayman Origins: Darktoon avatar (PS Plus Price: FREE)

Theme Robot Dynamic Theme (PS Plus Price: FREE)

PSN Games

Mad Riders ($9.99)
Mad Riders is an adrenaline-fueled off-road arcade racing game that sets new standards for the racing genre on PlayStation Network.
ESRB rated E, File size 1.25 GB

Pure Chess ($7.99)
Experience the game of chess like you’ve never seen it before. Download Pure Chess to see how stunning and beautiful chess can really be, and find out if you are a Grandmaster in the making.
ESRB rated E, File size 365 MB

PS Vita Games

Pure Chess ($7.99) [Pure Chess review]
Experience the game of chess like you’ve never seen it before. Download Pure Chess® to see how stunning and beautiful chess can really be, and find out if you are a Grandmaster in the making.
ESRB rated E, File size 347 MB

Resistance: Burning Skies Full Game ($35.99)
As New York fire fighter and National Guardsman Tom Riley, you’re about to come face to face with the brutal Chimeran invasion force in this blistering shooter built from the ground up for the PlayStation Vita.
ESRB rated M, File size 2.84 GB

PS3 Full Games

Assassin’s Creed Revelations ($59.99) [Assassin's Creed Revelations review]
In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of the legendary mentor Altair, on a journey of discovery and revelation.
ESRB rated M, File size 7.8 GB

Rayman Origins ($29.99) [Rayman Origins review]
The critics have spoken – “Rayman Origins is Living, Breathing Perfection” -Gamefan. 9.5/10 – IGN, 9 /10 – PlayStation The Official Magazine, 9/10 – Destructoid, 5/5 – Joystiq, 4.5/5 – Gamepro.
ESRB rated E10+, File size 1.42 GB

Game Demos (free)

Mad Riders
Download the demo for Mad Riders now! Mad Riders is an adrenaline-fueled off-road arcade racing game that sets new standards for the racing genre on the PlayStation®Network. Perform aerial stunts, use your boost wisely, and open shortcuts to dominate your friends on 45 tracks in stunning tropical locations across the globe.
ESRB rated E, File size 1.25 GB

PS Vita Demos (Free)

Gravity Rush
Manipulate gravity to save your world from destruction. Gain a new perspective as you take on the role of Kat, a strong-willed girl seeking the means to protect her future in a world that’s crumbling to pieces. Tilt and move the PlayStation Vita, taking gravity into your own hands to deliver devastating attacks, uncover the secrets to your past and explore a mysterious world.
ESRB rated T, File size 472 MB

Resistance: Burning Skies
As New York fire fighter and National Guardsman Tom Riley, you’re about to come face to face with the brutal Chimeran invasion force in this blistering shooter built from the ground up for the PlayStation Vita. The latest installment in the hugely successful franchise focuses on the initial days of the assault by overwhelming Chimeran forces on the U.S. eastern seaboard and intense multiplayer. Download the trial today and experience portable shooting redefined!
ESRB rated M, File Size 2.84 GB

PS3 Add-ons

Mass Effect 3: Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion [Mass Effect 3 review]
The Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion opens two new fronts against the Reapers: Firebase Jade’s jungle reservoir and Firebase Goddess on Thessia.
File size 145 MB

Atelier Meruru add ons (x2) ($2.99 – $3.99)
Various add on content.
File size 111 KB – 135 KB

Batman Arkham City – Harley Quinn’s Revenge ($9.99) [Batman Arkham City review]
As the dust settles in Gotham, Batman is lured back into Arkham City by its last remaining super-criminal; Harley Quinn. Now more dangerous than ever and leading a homicidal gang of her own, she is hell-bent on taking her revenge against the Dark Knight.
File size 818 MB

Dragon’s Dogma add ons (x2) ($0.99 – $2.99) [Dragon's Dogma review]
Various add on content.
File size 707 KB – 11 MB

Elevator Action HD – Additional Stages -5 ($1.99)
New DLC for ELEVATOR ACTION DELUXE has arrived! This update gives you five new stages to explore and master. Sneak or fight? Disguise is the key to success in these stages! Put an end to the enemy’s ambitions! Will you rise to the challenge?
File size 11 MB

LittleBigPlanet 2 Starhawk Minipack ($2.99)
Download the Starhawk Costume Minipack to dress your Sackboy in these exciting costumes: – Emmett – Cutter – The Outlaw To download this costume pack, you must already own LittleBigPlanet 2.
File size 110 KB

MotorStorm RC add ons (x3) ($0.25 – $0.49) [MotorStorm RC review]
Various add on content.
File size 100 KB each

Prototype 2 Excessive Force Pack ($4.99) [Prototype 2 review]
Introducing the “Excessive Force” Pack, the most insanely over-the-top pack Radical Entertainment® has ever created!! “Excessive Force” is about to become your middle name.
File size 5.04 MB

Pure Chess Park Game Pack ($1.99)
Check out all the Pure Chess additional content available for download. Each pack contains a stunning new location and incredibly detailed set of chess pieces. This pack features an Autumnal park and an ornate set of park animal chess pieces.
File size 79 MB

Test Drive Unlimited 2 add ons (x9) ($0.99 each)
Various add on content.
File size 101 KB each

Rocksmith

My Chemical Romance Song Pack ($7.99)
File size 9.63 MB
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na) By My Chemical Romance ($2.99)
File size 2.6 MB
Planetary (Go!) By My Chemical Romance ($2.99)
File size 3.12 MB
Welcome To The Black Parade By My Chemical Romance ($2.99)
File size 3.91 MB

Rock Band 3

Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“SCREAM AIM FIRE” – Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)
“TEARS DON’T FALL” – Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)
“YOUR BETRAYAL” – Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)
“BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE PACK 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE PACK 01. This pack includes “Scream Aim Fire”, “Tears Don’t Fail” and “Your Betrayal”. By Bullet for My Valentine.
File size: 31 MB – 35 MB (singles), 97 MB (track pack)

Rock Band Network v2.0

“DESCONOCIDO” – Leche de Tigre ($0.99)
“HALF CAB” – Quartered ($0.99)
“I AM S/H(IM)E[R] AS YOU AM S/H(IM)E[R] AS YOU ARE ME AND WE… ” – Giraffes? Giraffes! ($0.99)
“MARTYR TO SCIENCE” – Deadlock ($0.99)
“THE FALL OF PSILANTHROPY” – Chaotrope ($0.99)
File size: 20 MB – 50 MB (singles)

PS Vita Add-Ons

Hustle Kings add ons (x2) (Free – $1.99) [Hustle Kings review]
Various add on content.
File size 1 MB – 21 MB

MotorStorm RC add ons (x3) ($0.25 – $0.49) [MotorStorm RC review]
Various add on content.
File size 100 KB each

Pure Chess Park Game Pack ($2.49) [Pure Chess review]
Check out all the Pure Chess additional content available for download. Each pack contains a stunning new location and incredibly detailed set of chess pieces. This pack features an Autumnal park and an ornate set of park animal chess pieces.
File size 76 MB

Resistance: Burning Skies Online Pass ($9.99)
Various add on content.
File size N/A

PS Vita Apps

Nico Nico (free)

Updates

Fate Unlimited Codes (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Prinny 2 – Digital (Price Change) (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
Under Siege – Exclusive (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $13.99) [Under Siege review]
Phantom Brave (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Test Drive Unlimited 2: Casino (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Avatars

Assassin’s Creed III Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)
Ridge Racer Avatar Pack 01 – 03 ($2.49 each)

Game Videos (free)

Dishonored Debut Trailer Dishonored preview]
Hell Yeah! Gameplay Trailer
London 2012 – The Official Video Game Of The Olympic Games
Metro: Last Light – Enter The Metro Short Film Trailer
Rocksmith My Chemical Romance DLC Trailer
Spec Ops: The Line – Damned Vs Exiles Trailer Spec Ops: The Line preview]
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Trailer

PS3 Themes

Assassin’s Creed III Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Bianca Beauchamp Glam Goddess Theme ($1.99)
Bianca Beauchamp Latex Queen Theme ($1.99)
Burial Ground Maggot Head Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Axe Girlfriend Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Dead in the Water Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Handy Snack Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Zombie Rain Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Girls Gone Wild Static Theme ($1.49)
Prong Tattoo Model 2 ($1.99)

PS2 Classics

Rayman Arena ($9.99)
Hop into the arena or race to the finish against your opponents in this Rayman-themed party game.
ESRB rated E, File size 923 MB

Bundles

Call of Duty Black Ops Ultimate Edition ($66.49)
inFAMOUS 2 Ultimate Edition ($33.99)
Mafia II Ultimate Edition ($20.99)
Mortal Kombat Ultimate Edition ($34.99)
Motorstorm Apocalypse Ultimate Edition ($50.49)

Music

Resistance 3 Original Soundtrack from the Video Game ($9.99 [Resistance 3 review]

Wow, what a bumper week, particularly for Vita owners. Will you take the plunge and buy Resistance or try out the demo first? Let us know what you make of this week's line-up in the comments below.

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Deep impact

EA's Dead Space 3 is in the works, and this teaser trailer wants to set the scene.

While there's no gameplay footage, the video fills you in on events from the end of Dead Space 2. If you haven't followed the series so far, all you need to know is it's about aliens and lots and lots of gore.

Check it out below and expect to see much more during EA's E3 presentation on Monday, 4th June.

[youtube:PJpPXWTBVBc]

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It never ends

Good news for fans of demons: Atlus is bringing Shin Megami Tensei 4 to 3DS.

Famitsu (via Andriasang) brings the good news that work is underway on the game, though there's no other details at the moment. But hey, SMT4 is coming to 3DS. We'll take that.

Last year 3DS owners in North America got Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked, which is due to reach Europe later this year. We'll keep our ears to the ground for more devil-related information.

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Get ready for a tail spin

Last year's revelation of 3DS exclusive Monster Hunter 4 was a big moment, but since then we haven't heard much more about Capcom's inevitably monstrous hit. Well, that'll end at the end of June, when the publisher releases more details at a Japanese event.

Capcom Summer Jam takes place in Tokyo from 30th June to 1st July and will reveal new information about MH4 and other Capcom titles. Before you get your hopes up, don't expect to hear anything about a potential Western release for MH4 or Monster Hunter 3 G — this is a Japanese event so will focus on Japanese news.

Here's the concept trailer from last year.

[youtube:rWoNR-KRRuc]

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Crowd pleaser

Last year at E3, Nintendo promised a lot to core gamers. "Wii U will be right just for you," Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said, playing a showreel of hardcore shooters and action games to win over the crowd. Talking heads from big publishers all crowed about the machine's capabilities and its new controller — top brass at THQ, Activision, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. and more all appeared on video with nothing but praise for Wii U.

But EA went one better. CEO John Riccitiello joined Satoru Iwata and Reggie Fils-Aime on stage for his first ever appearance at a Nintendo conference. Riccitiello's speech may have been necessarily vague, but his presence said it all — two of the gaming world's biggest names are working together more closely than ever.

It was cheering to see EA's still committed to Nintendo platforms after a rocky time on Wii. EA published 78 Wii games — significantly fewer than the 110 and 116 it brought to PS3 and Xbox 360 respectively — that varied between excellent and abysmal: Boom Blox and Dead Space: Extraction sit alongside Charm Girls Club Pajama Party and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. For all its efforts, though, EA never had a hit the size of Just Dance or Zumba to push it to the top of the third-party publishing pile: few would see Wii as a genuine success story for EA.

Perhaps that's why Riccitiello chose E3 2011 to appear on stage with Nintendo — a show of faith, a way of acknowledging that both companies need to collaborate to succeed. Riccitiello spoke of an "unprecedented partnership" between Nintendo and EA, and while we don't have all the details yet, it could be vital to Wii U's future.

Super Sidekick

So, what is this "unprecedented partnership"? Riccitiello didn't say much specific. Of course EA will bring its big HD franchises to Wii U — that almost goes without saying — but when the CEO of one of the industry's biggest forces uses the phrase "unprecedented partnership", that usually means much more than just FIFA, Battlefield and Madden.

In sharp contrast to talking heads from other publishers, Riccitiello said more about Wii U's online connectivity than its controller, and that's because EA is working closely with Nintendo to get the online side right. Riccitiello discussed DLC, matchmaking and leaderboards — all standard fare by now — but he also spoke of the online service expanding beyond just Wii U:

Imagine these EA games on a console with content, gameplay and community that can be extended to mobile and social networks as well as the web.

Nintendo's been slow to embrace social networks (to say the least) and its battle against mobile plays out in the media every time a mobile developer expresses an opinion about Nintendo, but both services are crucial to EA. While Nintendo plays catch-up with online multiplayer, EA has moved into companion services like EA Sports Football Club and Ultimate Team, expanding the online experience beyond its console restrictions. As Riccitiello puts it, EA is "changing games from a thing that you buy to a place that you go."

OnlinEA

No wonder EA is so keen on Nintendo's online services: the two companies are working closely together to make sure Wii U's online is up to spec. Riccitiello said:

Nintendo's next console is truly transformational as well: a better platform than we've ever been offered by Nintendo, deeper online capability and all of it driven by an unprecedented partnership between Nintendo and Electronic Arts.

That last part got the internet's collective cogs whirring. Some decided to read it as "online capability... driven by... Electronic Arts" to suggest Wii U would run on EA's servers and Origin service, but it's far more likely EA is providing Nintendo with feature requests, guidance and expertise rather than anything more tangible. After E3, EA Sports vice president Andrew Wilson told Eurogamer.net:

[Online is] something that we're working very closely with Nintendo on. We are highlighting to them what we believe are the most important elements to that infrastructure to deliver a connected experience that we think is the future of gaming. They have demonstrated an openness and willingness to work with us and work with developers that I think will only land us in a positive place.

Of course, Nintendo will have its own vision of the future of gaming, but taking EA's considerable online expertise on board speaks volumes about its willingness to work with third parties on more than just development support and marketing.

Outside the Box

All signs point to Nintendo and EA teaming up to create Wii U's online infrastructure, but what if the collaboration's something else? If the two are sharing technical expertise and feature wishlists, could they be sharing more? How about franchises, tools or development teams?

DICE's powerful Frostbite 2 engine behind Battlefield 3 could easily come to Wii U, and the potential there is mouthwatering. A high-definition Star Fox with destructible environments would be good; a new Metroid using the engine could be incredible.

To take another step towards the abyss of rampant speculation, Nintendo and EA could even share their big IPs and characters. Mario once appeared in NBA Street V3 and SSX On Tour, but the crossovers could go deeper. Dead Space studio Visceral could do a fine job of Eternal Darkness or Metroid; BioWare and Paper Mario or The Legend of Zelda would be very interesting. Or what about Samus Aran in Mass Effect? OK, that's going too far.

EA publishes console games from some of the world's biggest developers: BioWare, Valve and Crytek have created big sellers, and if EA is this excited about Wii U that could extend to its development partners too. We're not saying Mass Effect Trilogy for Wii U, but EA's enthusiasm will surely motivate studios to create exclusive content for the console.

Divide and Concur

There'll be those of you shaking your heads at this, grumbling about EA being "evil". The publisher splits opinion like few others: some object to its relentless annual cycle of sports titles, though it doesn't seem to do their sales any harm.

No matter how feelings are divided, we can all agree Nintendo is taking a massive step in the right direction with this team-up. Shedding its typically insular approach to developing online services can only benefit developers, publishers and players alike, and teaming with a company the size and scope of EA is a huge vote of confidence to Wii U's future.

12 years ago, SEGA launched the Dreamcast, a console with all the promise in the world. Two years later, without a single EA game in its catalogue, it officially died.

You may not think EA has the same make-or-break power today, but if Nintendo really wants to muscle in on the HD market it'll need EA's full support. EA has spent years developing software and services for HD, connected consoles; bringing that expertise to Wii U is a very, very good thing for Nintendo and its fans.

John Riccitiello stood beside Reggie and Iwata at E3 for the first time last year. Don't be surprised to see them stand side by side for a long time to come.

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Flickering flame

Last year at E3 we heard Metro: Last Light was coming to Wii U. Well, now it seems it might not be, as THQ's global brand manager Mark Madsen told Digital Spy the game might not make it to Wii U.

Madsen said the game is not currently in development for Wii U and that, while a port could still happen, it'd be "correct" to say it's no longer definitely on the way to Wii U. He also said:

The verdict is out on what we can do to maximise the code for the Wii U, and we'll see [what happens]

Not sounding massively confident there, but it could still happen. How do you feel about this news?

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Bookmark this (updated 31st May)

With one week to go, we've put together a complete guide to this year's E3 show so you know exactly what's on offer, when and how to watch it.

We've compiled a list of the major press conferences and live events and converted them into a range of time zones so you know exactly when to come to Nintendo Life to get all the news, updates and discussion. We're nice like that.

If you don't see your time zone listed or aren't sure what time it is where you are, use this time zone converter to find out.

This should be the full line-up but we'll update with any other important dates and times as and when we hear them.

Thursday 31st May

Konami Press Conference

When: 10:30pm Pacific / Friday 1st June 1:30am Eastern / 6:30am UK / 7:30am Central European / 3:30pm Eastern Standard Australian Time

Where to Watch: http://www.konami.com/e3

Monday 4th June

EA Press Conference

When: 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern / 9pm UK / 10pm Central European / Tuesday 5th June, 6am Eastern Standard Australian Time.

Where to Watch: EA.com, MTV 2 and Spike TV.

EA and Nintendo have an "unprecedented partnership" for Wii U, but we probably won't hear anything about that at this press conference. We could get our first look at EA's Wii U games — the publisher's doing FIFA 13 among others — but we'll have to wait and see.

Ubisoft Press Conference

When: 3pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern / 11pm UK / Tuesday 5th June, 12am Central European / 8am Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Where to Watch: Here at Nintendo Life.

Ubisoft has confirmed it will show off Wii U games during its conference, so this is one you won't want to miss. We'll have all the big announcements and media content just for you.

Tuesday, 5th June

Nintendo Press Conference

When: 9am Pacific / 12 midday Eastern / 5pm UK / 6pm Central European Time / Wednesday 6th June, 2am Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Where to Watch: Here at Nintendo Life, http://e3.nintendo.com, Facebook, on MTV2 and Spike TV.

The big one. Wii U and 3DS are set for massive shows and there'll be plenty to dissect and discuss. If you can't watch the video feed live, we'll have a live text update service on Nintendo Life so you can keep up with all the big announcements.

We'll also have all the news, media, reaction and community you could ask for, so make sure you keep it locked on Nintendo Life on 5th June.

Developer discussion with Wii U hardware producer Katsuya Eguchi

When: 11:30 pm Pacific / Wednesday 6th June 2:30am Eastern / 7:30am UK / 8:30am Central European / 4:30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Where to Watch: http://e3.nintendo.com.

Last year we heard from Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto, but this year we'll hear from the console's producer, Katsuya Eguchi, whom you may know from his work on the Animal Crossing and Wii Sports series.

Wednesday 6th June

Nintendo Software Showcase

When: 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern / Thursday 7th June, 2am UK / 3am Central European / 11am Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Where to Watch: http://e3.nintendo.com.

This is likely to be a tour of the Nintendo booth, as the showfloor closes to visitors at 6pm, so expect in-depth looks at all Nintendo's games.

We'll update this post with new information so make sure you bookmark it to help you plan your E3 viewing and less important things like eating, sleeping and toilet breaks.

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Everyone else gets 30%

North American PS Plus subscribers just got a good deal — up to 50% off Sony's new "ultimate" bundles, which contain a game and all its available DLC.

Regular members save 30% on the deals, which are available from today until Monday 4th June, so you'll have to be quick.

The line-up of nine games and DLC stands at:

Red Dead Redemption with Legends and Killers, Liars and Cheats and Undead Nightmare — $27.99 ($19.59 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

inFAMOUS 2 Complete Edition — $33.99 ($23.79 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

BioShock 2 with Exclusive Character Pack, Minerva’s Den, The Protector Trials, Rapture Metro and Sinclair Solutions — $27.99 ($19.59 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

MotorStorm Apocalypse — $50.49 ($35.34 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

Call of Duty: Black Ops with First Strike, Escalation, Annihilation and Rezurrection Packs — $66.49 ($46.54 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition — $27.99 ($19.59 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

Mafia II with Betrayal of Jimmy, Greaser Pack, Jimmy’s Vendetta, Joe’s Adventure, Renegade Pack, Vegas Pack and Hero Pack — $20.99 ($14.69 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

Just Cause 2 Ultimate Edition — $20.99 ($14.69 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

Mortal Kombat with the Warrior Bundle and Klassic Skins Pack 1 — $34.99 ($24.49 for PlayStation Plus Members!)

Will you be picking any of these up? Got any recommendations for your fellow PS3 owners as to which deal's the best? Speak up and sound off in the comments below.

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