So this week’s episode sees another round of God of War content for you to look into as well as a great preview of ModNation Racers. If you prefer screenshots there are some of Alpha Protocol (featured in FirstPlay last week), and Skate 3 too. If that doesn’t sell you this episode, then maybe a free Enslaved Theme for your PS3 will win you over. Still not sure? Then you’ve come to the right place, continue reading for a detailed content list and a review of the episode itself.

HD REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS

This week’s episode contains a review of the God of War Collection if you’ve yet to pick it up and the box-office blockbuster Avatar on Blu-ray. On the previews side of things, FirstPlay have gone racing crazy with a look at cuddly little ModNation Racers and two-wheeled SBK X.

Let’s look at the reviews first, the God of War Collection brings two of the best looking games on the PS2 (God of War and God of War II) and gives them a HD coating. The review talks about the luscious graphics and how they could beat some of today’s PS3 games, no names mentioned. The cutscenes are a let down though, as they didn’t get the same HD treatment that the rest of the game got, but with over one hundred trophies to collect (including two platinums) there’s no reason not to relive the wonders of the God of War trilogy.

The Avatar review gives you a chance to see what the film looks like in your own living room. The graphical marvel took cinemas by storm and the extra dimension with the glasses made the movie all the more sweeter. Any of you who’ve seen the adverts for Avatar will see that it doesn’t seem quite as good in SD so use this opportunity to get a preview of the Blu-Ray version.

The preview side of things now and ModNation Racers is shaping up to be a fine (spiritual) successor to LittleBigPlanet. In this video you get to see some of the ready-made tracks as well as a small look at the weapons system, but the preview mainly concentrates on the creative side of things (why not?), with shots of landscaping, changing the environment, adding water, building tracks, and much, much more…

Awww, isn't he cute!? ModNation Racers is like the combination of Mario Kart and LittleBigPlanet

Last in this section is SBK X, a motorbike racing game. The preview looks at the two different styles of play: Arcade and Simulation. The arcade mode is said to be very similar to Burnout Paradise’s bikes in terms of handling, whilst Simulation mode (as you’d expect) holds true to real handling and is more like Moto GP 09/10. In addition to this, Simulation mode features the ability to tweak the various parts of your motorcycle. If that’s not enough, then increase the fun with up to 16 player online.

In the adverts section, we’ve got the usual adverts like Sky TV, Final Fantasy XIII, Just Cause 2, God of War III and Prison Break: The Conspiracy. This week has a new addition with Tranformers: War for Cybertron. The actual advert lasts thirty seconds, but there is a full trailer available in this section.

SCREENSHOTS

If you’ve yet to play the demo of Skate 3 or you’re just plain lazy, then there are a pile of pictures for you to look at this week. For those of you who downloaded last week’s episode we have a set of screenshots complimenting the previews of Alpha Protocol and Gran Turismo 5. Also on the agenda is EA Sports MMA.

Do I really need to sell Gran Turismo 5 to you? Without looking at the screenshots you know that the guys at Polyphony digital will do an impeccable job with the graphics. But in case you do need selling, take a look at the screenshots in this section, because there’s so much graphical proficiency to be conveyed in HD which you just can’t get on a little computer screen or inside a magazine, trust me it looks incredible. Other than that, the screenshots show some beautifully sculpted cars with incredible attention to detail, and a look at several of the tracks.

A look at Skate 3, and a wish for customisable skateboards

Next up is Skate 3, where you get about a baker’s dozen (that’s thirteen) of screenshots. Most of them show off the tricks featured in this annual instalment of Skate, but you’ll also see a few shots of the new co-op modes and a first look at the ability to create your own skate parks.

Alpha Protocol made many great impressions in its last appearance on FirstPlay and has been featured again with some more looks at the weapons (and a mention of customisation), as well as stealth/melee combat and a quick sweep of the various locations in the game. This game looks to be turning the RPG genre on its head by adding an action perspective to the game.

Lastly we have EA Sports MMA, where you get a look at a load of moves as well as a delve into the depth of expressions featured. UFC Undisputed 2010′s rival also shows off some countering mechanics and some real life fighters not currently covered by UFC’s agreement.


NETWORK HIGHLIGHTS

In the Network section this week is the concluding part of How To Win At Super Street Fighter IV as well as a look at The Pick of PSP. For those of you who just can’t cut it at Uncharted 2 Online, then you may learn a few tips from the amazing Uncharted 2 Killstreak featured in the section. Just to finish off, there’s a little something for the sports fans with a pick of the Top Ten FIFA Goals.

Let’s start with the Uncharted 2 Killstreak shall we? Not much to say really, but twenty eight kills in one life is no easy feat at all. The comments by the narrator, Lucy Porter, add to the fun of watching some guy completely wipe out the other team with a combined use of grenades, shotguns, pistols and rifles. Obviously, this would’ve been very frustrating for all who were against this guy but everyone could take a few pointers from him, just watch carefully as to how he reacts in different situations, when he goes in for the kill or when he dives behind cover.

In the Pick of PSP, there are only a few games to see, albeit great little games. First up is Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake which is described as addictive and more focused than the PS3 counterpart of the game. Next is Half-Minute Hero which is a crazy game involving elements of both the RPG and Action genres. Lastly we have the sexy Dead or Alive: Paradise which features some ‘interesting’ minigames.

Like a compressed Fat Princess all for PSP, which in some ways beats its big sister

For the concluding part of How To Win At Super Street Fighter IV, you’ll receive some more tips on the characters not covered in the first episode of this feature. In this instalment, you’ll get tips on the best moves to use with the following characters: DeeJay, Makoto, Hakan, Adon and T. Hawk.

Last but not least, we have the Top Ten FIFA Goals. This week sees some truly fantastic goals (hence why they’re in the top ten I suppose) including some long range shots, acrobatic kicks and some excellent use of the replay editor.


FEATURED DOWNLOADS

This week sees a new addition to the featured downloads section (yes you read that right), with a nice Enslaved Theme for your PS3, if you want a peek at it just see the screenshot below. If you’ve only just decided to buy Just Cause 2 then don’t worry because the Just Cause 2 Parachute is still alive in this section.

A new arrival to the Featured Downloads section: the FirstPlay Enslaved Theme.

As said before in the post here, expect to see a little more life in this section soon. FirstPlay have promised that there a load of minis lined up for release in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled!

FINAL SUMMARY

Another pretty good week for FirstPlay with a great review of the God of War Collection and a nice look at ModNation Racers, racing fans get SBK X to gawp at, and the fighting fans get some tips in SSFIV as well as some shots of EA Sports MMA. Oh and you get a lovely Enslaved theme for your PS3. All in all, not a bad episode. 8/10.

NEXT WEEK

Just to finish off here’s a little peek at what to expect next week. Fans of Lost Planet 2 will be pleased to see a review in the mix and for our PSP users there’s Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker in preview form. So that’s episode 006 for you, and it’ll be ready for download on Wednesday 12th May. See ya then!

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