What's next for From Software's Armored Core series? Armored Core 4A: For Answer is coming to the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 with new features that should make fans drool, and allow newcomers to enter the intense world of fighting mechs. Find out more by heading over to the full article.

Semi-official Sony blog Three Speech has once again posted a list of new content for the UK PlayStation Network. In terms of numbers, this week's update is even slimmer pickings than last week's, but thankfully there's a playable demo included this time.

The demo is for Armored Core 4. Yes, it's been out in North America for some time now, but it should prove to be a worthy distraction for PlayStation 3 owners in the UK. Fans of some hard-hitting mecha action should definitely check this one out.

The second piece of new content is the next installment of the "making of" and "animation" videos for Heavenly Sword. Just like last week's videos, check these out for a good look at how the game was made.

 

Perhaps one of the most inviting features of 505 Games' Armored Core 4 for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 is its online feature. This allows for players to battle each other over the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. 505 Games has recently released information about the other features that will be added to the mecha-themed 360 and PS3 video game which makes Armored Core 4 the game to play when you're feeling uber competitive.

Xbox 360 gamers are promised to experience online and system link multiplayer action in games for up to 8 players. PS3 players, on the other hand, will be able to join in multiplayer online, with up to 8 people at a time. They will also be able to experience system link multiplayer through network cable, not to mention split-screen action for 2 players on the same PS3 unit.

Now, gather your teammates, friends, acquaintances, companies, enemies...whoever to join in the fun. Destroy! (Wait, that's something else entirely...)

The next time you turn on your PlayStation 3 (PS3) and go over to the PlayStation Network (PSN), you will be surprised to see a lot of free downloads just waiting to be grabbed. It seems that Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is indeed taking care of its consumer base.

First stop is on Gran Turismo HD Concept 1.2 and this confirms our previous report on the Gran Turismo HD 2.0 that surfaced in Europe a few days ago. The updated version is basically the same as the first one but with a few extras.

Accordingly, 1.2 will now allow players to the Top 10 worldwide rankings for each car and mode. More interestingly, the video game now offers complete force feedback with the use of appropriate steering wheel peripherals.

For those of you who are aching because Xbox 360 fans were treated to a demo of Armored Core 4 (360 and PS3) the other day, stop fretting because you get your demo as well today. The demo features three single player missions and a look at the video game's deep customization mode.

There is also something for Grand Theft Auto IV (360 and PS3) fans as a new trailer for the video game can also be downloaded. It's called "Things Will Be Different," by the way. Take note that all the above mentioned content can be acquired for free so we see no reason why you won't be getting them.

And oh, if you're kind of a movie person, trailer videos for "Are We Done Yet?", "Perfect Stranger", and "Stardust" are also ready for your downloading pleasures.

Thanks elhuhn for the pic!

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UPDATE: Going over 1UP, we were informed that the cutesy PlayStation Network downloadable game, Super Rub a Dub, is already on the European PlayStation Network. The game is currently still unavailable in the North American PlayStation Network. We'll keep you informed as more updates come our way.

If you (like this writer) aren't much of an Armored Core fanboy, after watching this launch trailer, you just might be grinding your teeth on metal sheets in anticipation for this game. Face it; Armored Core 4 (whether on the PS3 or 360) looks like no other mech-fighter game we've seen before. Stop comparing both versions. Just watch the trailer for the game that it is:

I'm actually quite sold in to those product blurbs flashing by in the trailer. Sort gets my gas pumping, if you get my drift. High-speed mechs, mid-air explosions, missile air streams... Sega sure got this game right. Both versions get released on March 23.

Buy: [Armored Core 4 (PS3)]
Buy: [Armored Core 4 (360)]

Rosenthal Corp. sent over a care package (no, that's not right)... Ah, sorry. It's GameVideos who's got the latest string of Armored Core 4 (PS3, Xbox 360) gameplay trailers from Sega (no, it's not another comparison vid, so you can put those pitchforks down, hold hands and sing Kumbaya).

There are four videos to peruse - from "Factory Demolition" to "City Battle". As embedding multiple GameVideos leads to glitches, we'll settle for one video - Shotguns and Swords - and leave the rest to the Read link below. Dang, the size of that energy blade (compared to the energy blades we're used to before), and the Raven's reliance on it. You'd think he's trying to compensate for something...

Video: Factory Demolition
Video: Countdown Battle
Video: City Battle

If in case you didn't get to watch all the previous Microsoft Xbox 360 vs Sony PlayStation 3 comparison videos that we've posted before, here's one for Armored Core 4 (PS3, left side; 360, right side) courtesy of the folks at GameTrailers.

Yes, the difference is still the same. Xbox 360 versions of games usually feature a higher contrast setting. While it's useful for hiding poor textures - please take time to recall the earlier Call of Duty comparisons - some would argue that in a game like Armored Core 4, it makes spotting those tiny little mechs from far, far away a little difficult. Moreover, take note of 1:41, when the "descent" portion of the mission was featured. In the PS3 version, because the contrast wasn't turned up so high, there was an illusion of a fine mist on the ground as your mech descends from the upper atmosphere.

Of course in Xbox 360's defense, because of the high contrast, you're eyes tend to focus on the glow effects a bit more, and not on the textures and on the environmental details, thus making the game look a lot smoother and prettier. Also, the higher contrast makes the browns and the red shades seem a lot richer.

It's all a matter of preference really.

What about you folks? Which do you prefer?

Buy: [Armored Core 4 (PS3)]
Buy: [Armored Core 4 (360)]

Get to know the companies in Sega's cross-platformer mech title, Armored Core 4. You know it's important to acquaint yourselves with them as you will be spending a whole lot of time with these dudes once AC4 comes alive in your respective chosen consoles. Today, we bring you the six big guns and their descriptions, along with renders. Are you ready? Let's roll, then.

Global Armaments (GA)
Relegated in the Pacific Rim economic region, they are deemed to be the greatest integrated military company in the area. Its reputation is well-know for being a standard military company that has practical and stable armaments. Their arms contribute a huge chunk to their strength.

Rosenthal
Also an integrated military company, this one's from a huge industrial conglomerate. What they have to offer is a line of versatile arms that has exceptional balance, as well as well thought-out designs. Their weapons sure are noteworthy as it carries a near-futuristic precision.

Buy: [Armored Core 4 (PS3)]
Buy: [Armored Core 4 (X360)]

The rest of the companies and loads more of the renders after the jump! Be sure to check it out!

 

Ready for more metal-rending action? Armored Core 4 will be blasting to the shelves (and mech geeks are probably thanking the mech gods) later this month. Here's another sneak peek at the next gen mech title.

The trailer is entitled "Critical Acclaim" and, as the name suggests, it features some of the positive PR Armored Core 4 has received. It also showcases some snippets of gameplay, and if you need another reason to grab this vid up, it's also on high def. With the North American release set on March 22 (Europe gets it on April 27), we're all crossing our fingers that the game lives up to expectations.

We'll leave you to enjoy the video. Be sure to mark your calendars, as Sega and From Software's Armored Core 4 explodes to your choice next gen console this spring.

Download: Armored Core 4 Critical Acclaim trailer

Publisher 505 Games has just announced that Armored Core 4 - set for a March 22 release in the U.S. - will be launching in PAL territories (that means you, Europe) this April 27. For the sake of the guys who missed out on our screenshots and trailers, Armored Core 4 is the latest franchise in From Software's Armored Core franchise, spanning the PSOne, PS2, and PSP.

The game will put players behind the controls of an AC - a highly customizable mech with a fair semblance to the likes of a Gundam or a VF-1 (Shoji Kawamori worked on the game, FYI) - as they face off against fellow mercenaries (aka Ravens) and opposing factions in a world run by rivalling corporations. Now, in case you're wondering what this title will look like prior its release in both NTSC and PAL regions, feel free to view the screenshots provided here - they cover the in-game HUD, and the options menu. Don't forget to check out the game's official site as well. Enjoy!