super-stardust-hd posts (Subscribe to this feed)

Super Stardust HD celebrates 2nd anniversary with Euro price drop

by Jem Alexander { Jun 25th 2009 at 12:10PM }

You've played Super Stardust HD, right? It's two years old now, and still one of the best PSN downloadable titles available. You surely picked it up around this time last year, when it became the first game to support Trophies. No? Well, now's your chance. To celebrate the game's second birthday, the developers have dropped the price from £4.99 to £1.59 (€1.99).

Make sure you head on over to the European PlayStation Blog to see Housemarque's Petteri Putkonen's retrospective on the last two years. He also mentions Housemarque's desire to update the game even further, with an expansion that would "add a new dimension to the game," and requests that you contact him with any of your own ideas. It may be a while before you see them implemented, though, as the company is currently busy trying to outdo itself with its next PSN game. We can't wait.

Yo Asteroid! Super Stardust Portable out Dec. 4

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Nov 26th 2008 at 5:30PM }

If there's one classic concept that video games have taught us, it's that things from outer space are coming to kill you. In the case of Super Stardust Portable, said things are mainly calamitous asteroids, intent on colliding with your puny spaceship and the planet below. The downloadable PSP title, a handheld rendition of the popular rock-blasting shooter on PlayStation 3, will become available on the PlayStation Store next Thursday, December 4th, for $9.99.

Those used to the chaotic action of Super Stardust have a new "Impact" mode (bombs and boosts only!) to look forward to in this version, as well as a new final boss. Not that we thought you'd be bored without them -- the PSP version promises to hurl over 1,000 objects at the field at any given time. As programming lead Kimmo Lahtinen points out, "That's a lot of things to shoot."

Become a better Super Stardust HD player

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 4th 2008 at 12:30PM }

Some of us are gifted with incredible skill in Super Stardust HD. The dazzling array of falling rocks and deadly enemies does little to shock these players -- they are able to boost, shoot and bomb without ever having to blink. Unfortunately, not all of us are so capable. Thankfully, the PlayStation.blog has a new set of videos to with a few pointers on how to get the most out of this popular PSN game. Perhaps with these tips, you too will be able to get all of those elusive Trophies ...

European PSN update for July 15th

by Jem Alexander { Jul 16th 2008 at 5:00AM }

Yeah, it's July 16th in Europe right now, but we've been too busy to post the update until now. The fact we even know what's up on the store is a near miracle (thanks, Tom!), seeing as we're actually nowhere near a PS3 right now. With our excuses out of the way, we present to you today's update which, apart from a whole bunch of awesome E3 trailers, includes the SSHD Team Pack. Best thing about the Team Pack? Another potential trophy. Here's the full release list:

Playable Content

Fatal Inertia EX demo (free)
Fatal Inertia EX Full Game (£14.99)

Add-on Content

Super Stardust HD "Team Pack" (£2.99)

Videos

Buzz! Quiz TV advert
Buzz! Quiz TV "Sofa vs Sofa" advert
Resistance 2 E3 trailer
PixelJunk Eden E3 trailer
PAIN E3 trailer
LittleBigPlanet E3 trailer
MotorStorm Pacific Rift E3
GT TV E3 trailer

PLAYSTATION Store gets daily updates this week

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 14th 2008 at 12:10PM }

With E3 happening this week (stay tuned for live coverage!), the PLAYSTATION Store will be updated every day, with new content arriving from first and third parties. In addition to the requisite trailers and videos that will appear on the Store, PlayStation will be bringing it home with playable content. Watch out for Rock Band DLC, featuring The Who, the official release of the Super Stardust HD team pack, and a new PSN game, Elefunk.

Stay tuned for more info as it happens.

PS3 Fanboy's guide to Super Stardust HD Trophies

by Randy Nelson { Jul 2nd 2008 at 11:00PM }

If you were lucky (or unlucky) enough to install PS3 firmware 2.40 before it was yanked by Sony, you'll definitely want to check out PS3 Fanboy's first-ever PlayStation Trophy guide. It's only fitting that their guide is for the first-ever Trophy-enabled game, Super Stardust HD. Be the first person on your friends list to unlock 'em all – check it out!

Trophy Guide: Super Stardust HD

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 2nd 2008 at 10:00PM }

We finally unlocked all the Trophies for Super Stardust HD. As the first game available with Trophy support, many are jumping online to boost their PlayStation level. With 9 Bronze, 6 Silver and 2 Gold Trophies, we're sure this is going to keep many occupied for quite some time. Here's our guide to unlock all the Trophies. Good luck!

Hero of Lave - Complete planet Lave
Bronze | Difficulty: Very Easy
All Arcade mode Trophies can be earned in Easy mode. We recommend that you play on that difficulty to make it easier to get the Trophies you want. For this Trophy, simply beat the first level. Having trouble with the boss? Make sure you focus on only one weak point at a time. You should be able to destroy one weak point before he does his spin attack. His spin will vacuum space debris, so you may want to keep your distance in the early parts of this battle. The Trophy will unlock once you start the next level.

Continued →

Trophies: Super Stardust HD

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 2nd 2008 at 12:25AM }

Joystiq hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode

by Jem Alexander { May 9th 2008 at 1:00PM }

Click for high-resolution image.

Super Stardust HD received its first expansion pack last month, one that was very well received by players and critics alike. The second, multiplayer add-on promises to do the same, judging by the time we spent with at Sony's recently PlayStation Day 2008.

The "Team Pack" adds a Co-op Split Screen mode as well as the incredible Versus Mode. While the concept of Versus Mode remains very simple, the menus add depth and a huge amount of variety to the experience. At your disposal are several gameplay modes, similar to many other multiplayer games' gameplay arsenal, including deathmatch, king of the hill and grab-and-run. This whole mode has been built specifically with party gaming in mind.

Up to four players can play against each other on the same planet, but the "layout" of the planet can be changed before the game commences. This allows you to overlay a maze of rocks onto the planet's surface in various shapes which players will need to navigate through. These rocks can be destroyed and, depending on the options settings, can either harm players who come too close or simply ignore them. For people who prefer a less restricted battlefield, there's an option for a clear level layout too.

Gallery: Super Stardust HD

Continued →

PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode

by Jem Alexander { May 9th 2008 at 9:00AM }

Click for high resolution image.

Super Stardust HD received its first expansion pack last month, to much praise from the Stardust community. The Solo Pack added several different modes, and the upcoming multiplayer add-on promises to do the same. We had an opportunity to try it out during PlayStation Day and we loved what we saw.

The "Team Pack" adds a Co-op split-screen mode, as well as the incredible Versus Mode. Within Versus Mode, you can partake in a number of different challenges, similar to the offering found in many other multiplayer games: there's Deathmatch, King of the Hill, and Grab and Run. This whole mode has been built specifically with party gaming in mind.

Up to four players can play against each other on the same planet, but the "layout" of the planet can be changed before the game commences. This allows you to overlay a maze of rocks onto the planet's surface in various shapes which players will need to navigate through. These rocks can be destroyed and, depending on the options settings, can or cannot harm players who come too close. For people who prefer a less restricted battlefield, there's an option for a clear level layout too.

Gallery: Super Stardust HD

Continued →

SuperStardust HD devs planning split-screen multiplayer update

by Jason Dobson { May 2nd 2008 at 9:25AM }

Our affection for SuperStardust HD just got a shot in the arm with news that Finnish dev Housemarque is putting the finishing touches on a multiplayer-focused update to the twin-stick PSN shooter. Following the already available "solo" add-on, this new "team pack" update will introduce several additions, from split-screen versus and co-op modes, to a skill balancer, ship editor, trophies, and a "true" 5.1 orchestral soundtrack.

MTV's Stephen Totilo recently grilled Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen on the update, who commented that "a majority" of the development time spent on the update was focused on the new versus mode, which will feature "our 'sub' game modes and plenty of options so each gamer can tune the mode to suite their tastes." Even more interesting, Kuittinen adds that the team has been "experimenting with a game mode we call "Twin gun" mode (not disclosing specifics at the moment, maybe you can guess?) and how to make music generated levels, etc." It sounds like someone has spending a lot of time with Audiosurf, an addiction to which we can certainly relate.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Upcoming Stardust HD update includes trophies, 5.1 orchestral soundtrack

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 30th 2008 at 9:45PM }

The guys at Housemarque have just finished their next Super Stardust HD expansion. The "solo pack" will be followed by the "team pack," which features a number of additions. Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder Housemarque, explained to MTV Multiplayer: "It features a split screen Versus Match and Co-Op, ship editor, a true 5.1 orchestral soundtrack, and trophies."

We're already excited for these new additions, but what we're even more intrigued by are the upcoming additions the Housemarque team is looking into. "We have been experimenting with a game mode we call "Twin gun" mode (not disclosing specifics at the moment, maybe you can guess?) and how to make music generated levels, etc." A Mizuguchi-inspired version of Stardust sounds like it would be a blast.

PSN Tuesday: Lair goes analog, Super Stardust HD expands

by Ross Miller { Apr 15th 2008 at 1:00PM }

Along with a revamped PSN Store, we usher in the return of PSN ~~Thursdays~~ Tuesdays. Since we're already welcoming back the store and updates, we should probably say something to Lair, who just flew in under our radars with an update to make the game playable -- not only with rumble but also analog controls. He's looking kind of lonely over there in the corner.

Also this week, Super Stardust HD expands its universe with new modes: Endless, Survival, Bomber and Time Attack. Arcade Mode now features the Easy difficulty. A new Retro soundtrack has also been added

Update: SCEA has confirmed that Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will headline the return on PS Store's regularly scheduled Thursday updates this week (April 17th). We'll post the full release list when it becomes available.

Check out the complete list of this week's content after the break. For a listing of Europe's goodies, head over to PS3 Fanboy.

Continued →

American PSN update for April 15th

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 15th 2008 at 1:00AM }

In tandem with the new firmware update today, Americans can enjoy a few surprising releases ahead of Thursday's normal updates. Here's what you can find on your updated Store:

Game Add-ons:

Super Stardust HD Solo Add-on Pack ($4.99)
This upgrade pack for Super Stardust HD requires the original game. It will add new game modes: Endless, Survival, Bomber and Time Attack. Arcade Mode now features the Easy difficulty. A new Retro soundtrack has been added. [Editor's Note: It is incredibly awesome. A must-buy for fans of Super Stardust HD.]
Lair Dragons and Control Pack (free)
Get two new playable dragons, analog flight controls, rumble support and enhanced PSP Remote Play support. It's what the game should've had from the start.

Videos:

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue "Beyond the Apex" trailer (free)
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue "Friendly Fires" video (free)

There will be more to see this Thursday. See you then!

PSN Thursday: Folklore keeps telling tales, demo Stardust in HD

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jan 11th 2008 at 1:00AM }

This week PSN Thursday brings us a demo (and update) for frenetic shooter Super Stardust HD, along with the Folklore expansion packs and the demo to the game that if you're a games reviewer might just cause you to lose your job. For those who need to get a little nostalgic with PlayStation's original mascot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is available for $6 and, as normal, there's always this week's Rock Band offerings.

Those on the continent of fine wine, cheese, and sausages can scope the Euro PSN update over at PS3 Fanboy. All the details of the PSN update on the continent of two buck chuck, Kraft singles, and Hillshire Farm are posted after the break.

Continued →