Phill: Hello ladies and gentlefolk, welcome to this week’s News/Talk, a feature where another MediaKick writer and I have a lovely chinwag about some of the biggest and most interesting news pieces of the week. Joining me this week is our news editor, Ryan Martin. Say hello Ryan!

Ryan: Hello everyone.

Phill: I’ve finally managed to rope Ryan in to doing it this week, he’s been dodging me for the last couple! Today, we’re going to chat about PlayStation Vita’s cross play functionality and offers, as well as giving our thoughts on the BAFTA game awards nominations.

Phill: Right then, let’s start with the PlayStation Vita’s cross play tid-bits. We learned this week of a raft of new features and deals for owners of PlayStation Vitas and PS3s deals which have me pretty chuffed I must say. Some of these include buying one version of the game and getting the other free, as is the case with Motorstorm RC, Top Darts and Hustle Kings. We also learned that Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom’s DLC will be playable on both the PS3 and Vita versions, so you only have to buy the DLC once, and that owners of WipEout HD and the Fury expansion will receive the tracks and ships from them for WipEout 2048 on Vita this Spring free of charge.

Some pretty ace deals there Ryan, do you think Sony is heading in the right direction with this?

Ryan: Absolutely. Sony seemed to have realised that no-one wants to pay twice for the privilege to play an already purchased game on the same network.

To be honest, I think most people would have been happy with a Vita ‘deal’ for PSN games where they could bundle both PS3 and Vita versions for a slightly higher price. But free is definitely better and I think Sony have made the right choice. We’ll certainly see more people buying it.

Phill: Definitely, I certainly would have been happy with a bundle deal for a reduced price, but the buy-one-get-the-other-free mentality is fantastic, and I’ll freely admit I didn’t think Sony would have the sense to do it, but it’s certainly proven me wrong in this case.

I’ve been playing the Vita for almost a week now and I’m absolutely in love with, it’s a great piece of hardware and just needs the support from Sony to help it succeed. Getting the consumers on its side is a big step, which I think is something they’re on the right track to obtaining.

Ryan: Yeah, Sony are well on their way to get the consumers they need and, from what I’ve been hearing, it’s what the console deserves. Aside from your constant praise of the handheld, I’ve heard nothing but good things. However, I will not be buying a Vita for a couple of months – primarily due to a lack of funds, but if Sony uses this initial vote of confidence from the industry and supports with good game, I will definitely be one soon.

Phill: Yep, agreed. And I do hope to see you playing a Vita at some stage, it’s a great console.

Phill: Now, let’s talk about the BAFTAs, shall we? This week, BAFTA announced its list of nominees for the BAFTA video game awards, with many great titles featuring on the shortlists.

So, Ryan, any opinions on the list of nominees? Any glaring omissions you think should be on there?

Ryan: No massive omissions that come off the top of my head but I am very surprised to see LA Noire get eight nominations. Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was a good game when it launched despite the inevitable repetitiveness but as 2011 went on, it was hard to ever see it go up for Best Game.

Hang on, just thought of one. Saints Row: The Third!

Phill: Indeed. I really enjoyed LA Noire, but I’m pretty shocked it’s in there for best game ahead of Uncharted 3. Also, no love for Saints Row? What gives?

Ryan: I know right? Some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing a game. How that isn’t up for the ‘Action’ award, I do not know. It had more action than a Chuck Norris film but better quality.

Phill: Definitely. Also, I’m not entirely sure why Deus Ex: Human Revolution is up for a strategy award. I love that game, but it’s hardly a strategy game, let’s be honest. Same with Dark Souls; I find it strange that they don’t even have an RPG category.

Ryan: Yeah I found that quite funny. Didn’t expect to see Football Manager 2012 in strategy either seeing that there is a Sports category.

And I would love to see an RPG award. It’s not like there hasn’t been a lack of them.

Phill: Exactly. So, what’s the bets for the big prize? Which game do you think will in the Game of the Year award?

Ryan: The public vote? Skyrim. Best Game? Probably Arkham City.

What do you think?

Phill: I think that’s a pretty great shout, to be honest. Personally I don’t think Skyrim should win anything, we’re basically condoning a developer releasing an unfinished product if so, but I, unfortunately, don’t get to decide for everyone. Again, I think Arkham City is a great shout for the BAFTA award, although I think Portal 2 is certainly in with a chance, and deservedly so.

Ryan: I don’t think Skyrim should be up for any either. A third of their customers couldn’t play it properly for almost three months. Saying that, Bethesda seem to always create games that you love despite their flaws – but this was too major for me though.

And yes, Portal 2 will definitely put up a good fight against Batman. It’ll be fairly tight I think, with both being terrific games.

Phill: Indeed.

Anyway, let’s finish up for this week. Thanks for the chat Ryan, and I’ll be back next week to talk about next week’s biggest news on News/Talk. Bye!

Ryan: Bye readers!