You know, way back when, that one kid in every small town who was envied by all his/her peers for sporting a Neo-Geo gaming console or hand-held. Well now, years later, that’s you — it’s your time to shine. Reign WindJammers champion of the town with Akop’s Neo-Geo Pocket and Pocket Colour emulator — “RACE! PSP.”
Although; truthfully, I’m not sure whether WindJammers ever made it to the Neo-Geo Pocket or Pocket Colour. Nevertheless — PSP MAME4ALL supports it.
This is Akop’s initial release ported from Flavor’s original project. It’s noted version 2.0 does not include save states; however, that is planned for the future. Good lookin’ out.
Download: RACE! PSP v2.0
Source: 0xff.akop.org
PSP-Hacks
Sep 11, 2008
Sep 9, 2008
Definition of Beta test;
The Beta test is a software version released to a limited population of users for functionality and bug test evaluation before the final release to the general user base.
So with the above in mind, and a code for the SOCOM: Confrontation Beta, I was ready to go hands-on with the game. But before we begin, let me give you a little bit of SOCOM's background. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALS was developed by Zipper Interactive and released in August 2002 for the PlayStation 2. SOCOM revolutionised the way gamers played with the game being the first of it's kind to include a headset, and instructions which can be carried out through the headset to your AI team-mates. Since 2002 SOCOM has had a few other outing's, but this October* will see SOCOM, and it's new developers Slant Six Games, make its first appearance since the release of the PlayStation 3, and it will be a platform exclusive. So with that brief history lesson out the way, you can now read on for my impressions of the SOCOM: Confrontation multiplayer Beta
Booting up the game I was getting excited. But one thing worth mentioning before jumping into the jaw dropping clan system and gameplay is that in the main screen there is an option to have a tournament match, but unfortunately it's blacked out and unavailable to play. Looks rather interesting however so watch this space.
The clan system in the Beta looks superb. There are so many different things you can change within your clan. From team colours, specific ranks for members to your team logo everything is covered here. It's great to see a game where they have included clan support, as this has rarely been done in previous console shooters. Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter would have to be the only other game I can think off with a similar system. With your clan sorted out, the next best thing to do is jump into the Beta test itself.
Trying to get into a match seemed to take forever, and within no time it becomes a chore. I know this is a Beta, but the menus seem to be sluggish, and once you have actually had the patience to wait 3 hours to find a match, it becomes unfunny and just damn right silly when you have to wait another 3 hours (OK, slight exaggeration) for the game map to load, of which there is only one. Make sure you have some snacks handy to minimise any distress while waiting to play.
However poor lobby and waiting times aside, you can then experience the Socom gameplay that we all know and loved from the previous PlayStation games. The online multiplayer Beta allows you to play an impressive 7 game modes; Suppression (team deathmatch), Control, Escort, Extraction, Breach, Demolition and Elimination. Suppression being the easiest game to jump into with as minimum waiting time as possible, I rifled up and headed into the war zone.
The first thing you will notice is that it has a striking resemblance to Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter. The camera is set to an 'over the shoulder' view, in which you can switch between each shoulder view depending on if you're turning right or left. Annoying at first and it does takes some getting used to, but after a few games you are automatically changing shoulders to suit your environment and surroundings. Moving, shooting and lying down all share the qualities found in G.R.A.W, which I personally don't find a bad thing. SOCOM is all about stealth tactics, and not just running into a building spraying your bullets around. Knowing the maps in SOCOM will become key to changing from a good player to an excellent player.
One of the most interesting things about the only map available to play (Crossroads) in the Beta, is that the host, before the game starts, can change the time of day that the game is being played. Lying down waiting for an opponent to step into the light at night is extremely pleasing on the eye, and a nice feature that I would like to see included in future games.
The weaponry selection in SOCOM is one of the best i've seen in a while. The amount of customizable options for your guns is unreal. Scopes, lasers, stands, butts, handles and other gun accessories are all included here, making sure that the gun you carry with you suits your style of play. You can also edit these options every time you die, which is good if that laser sight just isn't cutting it for you.
Overall I was impressed with the gameplay, clan system and weaponry system within the Beta, and I will be looking forward to getting my hands on the game late October '08. Slant Six Games will definitely have to improve some things within the game, such as the loading times and the sluggish menu system. But overall they can look forward to what seems to be the next successful chapter in the SOCOM series.
* SOCOM: Confrontation is due for release on the 31st October 2008, this is subject to change however.
ConsoleMonster
And if you don’t already know… Mediumgauge’s PSP Filer simply gets the job done. Manage both directories and files on your memory stick, UMD, and flash0/flash1. Also take advantage of the integrated tool-set enabling you to rip UMDs directly to your memory stick, view pictures, text & binary files, listen to WAV/MP3 files, and the fun doesn’t stop there. PSP Filer is available in many languages — see the appropriate “readme.
PSP Filer v5.5 changes:
filer:
fixed a bug that time stamp of folders in zipfile was corrupted.
changed a feature to close window when copying done. before: pushing cross to close it. now: pushing either circle or cross to close it.
changed a feature pushing right arrow: before: mark all files in folder. now: mark/unmark all files in folder.
removed a feature pushing left arrow, to unmark all files in folder.
added a feature to move to parent folder by pushing left arrow + circle.
added a feature to save this folder to default (this folder appears in next startup) by pushing left arrow + START.
added a feature to move to default folder by pushing left arrow + triangle.
added a feature to restore opened folders in archive files after copying/deleting files. (note: restoring feature is slow: you have to wait a lot if you open many archive files before copying/deleting)
picture viewer:
made smooth to enlarge/shrink picture.
fixed a bug that a picture was blinked when background-reading was done.
fixed a bug that a picture was blinked when pushing analog pad on the edge of the picture.
increased to read JPEG file faster (about 40% faster than before).
Download: PSP Filer v5.5
The cover of the Official PlayStation Magazine in the United Kingdom pretty much explains it all -- the next issue of the publication will include a card with the code for the highly-desired Kratos Sackboy costume for LittleBigPlanet. Looking for Nariko instead? She's over here.
Additionally, "the first 50 subscribers to the magazine will also be sent an exclusive Sackboy plush toy." We are not sure exactly what this means, but we are assuming 50 new subscribers to OPM starting ... now? Anyhow, issue number 24 will on sale on September 30th. We have a feeling this issue will sell out quick!
PS3Fanboy
With head held high and a twinkle in his eye, president of SCE Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida continues to beat the drum of PlayStation positive thinking. "All the things are now coming together in terms of the right hardware, cost and pricing," said Yoshida to Videogaming247.
He refers, of course, to the increased hard disk space in the new PS3s which will retail for the same value of previous, lesser gig-happy SKUs. It's interesting to take note of his comment on "cost," which tells us that producing PS3 is becoming more cost-efficient ... possibly due to unpublicized hardware revision. As any head of a company would, Yoshida assures that this year is a strong year for PS3 and that 2009 will be just the same holding scores of new titles both announced and unannounced.
PS3FANBOY
Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter has jut posted his hardware sales estimates for August. And here they are:
Wii - 550,000
PS3 - 225,000
360 - 200,000
The analyst is predicting sales of $600 million, up 23 percent compared to last year’s $489 million.
EEDAR also put out its estimates today, as you can see here.
The firms are almost agreed on the Wii figure, but Iron Mike’s a fair amount up on both PS3 and 360.
NPD data will release on September 11, this Thursday.
VideoGamer247
Sep 8, 2008
And another weekend release from the Z-man… Danzel’s AFKIM (Away from Keyboard Instant Messenger) version 3.3.6 is now available correcting the noted issues below. If that’s you, it’s time to upgrade.
AFKIM connects you to the MSN, ICQ, AIM, Google Talk, and Yahoo instant messaging networks.
This version is only for people encountering name resolution and bitlbee connection issues. I have added a simple workaround to specify timeout values used during connection process (see afkim.cfg configuration file to change default values).
Download:
AFKIM v3.3.6 (fw 1.50)
AFKIM v3.3.6 (cfw 3.xx/4.xx)
AFKIM source code
PSP-Hacks
Over the weekend ZX-81 released PSPXTI v1.2.4 — an emulator mimicking the Texas Instruments TI-92 graphing calculator.
PSPXTI is ported from Jonas Minnberg’s XTiger.
PSPXTI v1.2.4 changes:
Fix IR keyboard issue with fw >= 3.80 for FAT PSP
Put Danzeff keyboard in a better location
Virtual keyboard is now usable in the file requester menu to specify the first letter of a file
Add music in EBOOT “Below The Arctic Ocean” from Azhrak (see jamendo)
Tested with 4.01-m33 on psp slim
Download:
PSPXTI v1.2.4 fw 1.50
PSPXTI v1.2.4 cfw 3.xx/4.xx (psp slim)
PSPXTI source code
PSP-Hacks
Because we're such Trophy whores, the fine folks at Tiki Games have given us an early look at the Trophies of their upcoming patch for NOVASTRIKE. The game is getting a significant rehaul, thanks to feedback from early players of the game. Best of all, you won't have to wait long for this patch: it's ready now.
Bronze Trophies
Heralder No More: Destroy a Heralder aircraft on any difficulty
Broken Falchion: Shoot down a Falchion aircraft on any difficulty
Champion of Praxor: Finish the second stage on any difficulty
Destroyer: Destroy 500 aerial opponents on any difficulty
Defender of Khara: Finish the fourth stage on any difficulty
Ground Sweeper: Destroy 200 Draelus ground structures on any difficulty
Searer Extinguished: Destroy the Searer on Tolak on any difficulty
Master of Arms: Unlock the final ship on any difficulty
Savior of Tolak: Finish the sixth stage on any difficulty
Hidden Trophy
Hidden Trophy
Hidden Trophy
Silver Trophies
Challenger: Defeat the game on RECRUIT difficulty or higher
Reckoning Force: Defeat the game on SOLDIER difficulty or higher
Unstoppable: Defeat the game on VETERAN difficulty or higher
Legendary: Defeat the game on HARDCORE difficulty
PS3Fanboy
It seems we're having another one of those "is this a LittleBigPlanet [insert whatever]" sort of question -- same like what we've had over the weekend. There's no doubt we're excited to see what will become of LittleBigPlanet this October and most likely so are you, so even the tiniest information on the title will pique your interests.
Say like this supposed game manual for LBP. It's not entirely exciting on its own and if it were just any old game manual no one would care. But, this is the LBP manual -- the manual to one of the most highly anticipated titles for fall. Besides, it's got a lot of pretty pictures and it has a Sackboy on it. How can you ignore the adorable menace that is Sackboy? Check it out right here, read up on the instructions, and prepare for good times.
PS3Fanboy
Sep 7, 2008
A blonde female samurai and Russian vampires are just some of what you'll find this week. Take a look:
The Alps
Baby Mama
Cool Hand Luke
Day Watch
The Fall
The Forbidden Kingdom
Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Fourth Season
How the West Was Won
Jerry Maguire
Kill Bill Volume One
Kill Bill Volume Two
Kill Bill - Volumes 1 & 2
Manilow Live
Mozart: Don Giovanni
Night Watch
Rudy
Smallville - The Complete Seventh Season
Then She Found Me
Both volumes of the Tarantino blood-fest Kill Bill are out this week, but who would buy them separately? Night Watch and Day Watch marks the first time the initial two movies of Bekmambetov's vampire trilogy is on Blu-ray. The fantasy epic The Fall is one of the better films we saw this year, so be sure to check that out if you enjoy the genre. The Forbidden Kingdom is entertaining ... for families -- those of you who were hoping for a more serious collaboration between Jackie Chan and Jet Li will be left sorely disappointed. Check out all of this week's releases above.
PS3Fanboy
We were hoping this "release list" thing would only be a temporary feature at PS3 Fanboy, but those pesky developers just won't stop making games! Another batch is unleashed onto the world this week, including two hockey games for you lucky North Americans. Also, remember Rock Band? Sure, it may be almost a year old, but it's finally getting a European release on PS3. Just in time for next month's release of Rock Band 2 in the US. Aren't regions great? Here's the full release list:
US Games
NHL 2K9
NHL 2009
TNA Impact!
EU Games
Rock Band
TNA Impact!
NHL 2K9
Asian Games
Double Clutch
Stranglehold
Release dates are constantly subject to change. Be sure to check with your local retailer if you're uncertain. If you fancy something from abroad, go ahead and do it. Your PS3 won't mind, but remember that DLC is always region locked, so you'll need to get it from a foreign PSN store.
PS3Fanboy
You may or may not recollect TyRaNid’s PSP dev. tool: RemoteJoy. Essentially RemoteJoy provides “TV out” capabilities over a USB connection with your PC. With that said — non-Slim owners and non-FuSa users — you too can now experience PSP on a larger scale.
Update: If you’re stuck at a black screen with “WAITING” printed across the top right, then you must download Custom Firmware Extender v2.2 (below) and install the appropriate ‘”PSP” Type B’ USB driver.
Japanese developer, Akind (correct me if I’m wrong?), has taken TyRaNid’s project and has further optimized it for us end-users. Packaged in the form of a small PRX plug-in and Windows executable — we have RemoteJoyLite.
Sadly, I can’t provide a screenshot for you; RemoteJoyLite doesn’t seem to function under Parallels on my Mac. Although, I did stumble across this YouTube video demonstrating the dopeness:
RemoteJoyLite v0.15 [translated] changes:
“SceCtrlLatch” related to behavior modification.
Image-transfer method (TYPE2, TYPE3) added.
HOME POPS button on a good behavior.
Gamma correction added.
Download:
RemoteJoyLite v0.15
Custom Firmware Extender (CFE) v2.2 (includes USB driver)
PSP-Hacks
Some dedicated hackers have finally managed to get the PSP and Microsoft's Xbox 360 Chatpad typing. There are still a few kinks to smooth out, but the hard part seems over, with l0rdnic0 managing a tiny bit of soldiering using a PSP remote cable and some software from the Open Keyboard Project. It's all still pretty nerdy at the moment, and we're still miffed at that Logic 3 getting cancelled way back when, but we suppose this will have to do.
Engadget
Here is my take and my personal Opinion on whether or not the PS3 needs a price cut or not.
People are in business to make money, However if you are in a non profit organization I think that you need to go back to business school and retake some courses. Companies release products to make a profit so that they can pay their employees and manufacturing costs and this of course will create more jobs which in terms means people will have more money to spend which in turn will create more jobs. That is how the economy works everywhere.
This however hasn't been the case for Sony ever since they launched the PS3. The company has been losing money on every PS3 sold hoping that they will make it up with the games they sell. However when you almost have no exclusives that makes it even harder.
The PS3 started out with a hefty $600 price tag, but in reality that is a bargain (you can revert to my better value article written last year). You get Wi-Fi, a blue-ray/dvd player upconverter package, a game consol, multimedia player with memory card readers as well as a PS2/PS1 package if you got the 60GB Version. With all of this you are looking to spend thousands if bought seperately but you get all of this with the PS3.
SCE has already stated that there will be no price cut this year for the PS3 and gamers are complaning but really think about it. Does the PS3 really need a price cut. $500 for a Multimedia power house with an 80GBHDD is really not a bad deal. If you were to compare that to what the 360 offers you then it is really not a bad deal. With the 360 you have to buy these things seperate including the rechargable battery and the Wi-Fi adaptor which can cost a hefty $100. On top of that you get a free game called the red ring of death where you can guess when will your 360 die out and if you guess right you win one month without your 360 because you will have to ship it back to Microsoft, and if you don't guess right then you still have to send it to Microsoft. Boy doesnt that sound fun?
In the beginning I was really skeptical about the PS3. I used to say its too expensive, what if it fucks up, and I still need to buy an HDMI cable to get the full experience. But, as soon as I got the PS3 and hooked it up to my PS3 I saw the light. Up to date I play my PS3 even though I have less games than the 360 or the Wii. I haven't touched my 360 since I last reviewed Alone in the Dark. And the Wii the only time I've played it was when I got Star Fox 64 on the Virtual consoles. Heck I don't even remember where I left my DS its been that long since I've last heard of it.
Everything I need I got it via the PSP. It even supports fome flash which will allow you to stream movies online. Not to mention it lets you download content from your email to the PS3's HDD. I've only tried this with Music though I've still yet to try it with a video.
The PS3 80GB runs you at $400. A bundle like MSG4 or the new 160GB version with Uncharted and a free PSN download will run you at $500. Even at $500 I still think you are getting a great deal. Not to mention Sony just released their first wave of Greatest hits with more on the way for $30. You can probably buy it used for less.
The PS3 does not need a price cut. If you think its too expensive then you probably shouldn't be buying games to begin with. What the PS3 needs though is more exclusives and not to push those exclusives back to a later date.
If you want a great HD Experience and you have a great HDTV, You cant go wrong with the PS3.
In a press release by Activision the developer says that PS3 and Wii owners might have to pay a fee to play online.
*Online gameplay is only available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Wii and may require an additional subscription.
Now this is not a for sure thing yet but the "may" is the one word to distrust in this statement. Now I've never been a fan of Guitar Hero but for the millions of people that actually buy the game just so they can think that they are rock stars while still living at home with mom and dad this might be a problem. With the 360 you are already paying the fee but how many people will actually want to pay to play online on the Wii and PS3 versions?
Console Central
The patch we talked about last week regarding the Rock Band track export service will come out this Thursday, September 11. While you might not find the service all too useful just yet, seeing as PS3 owners won't be getting Rock Band 2 this month, you'll still want to download the patch. The reason for that is that it'll also include Guitar Hero III Les Paul PS3 Controller support for Rock Band.
Aside from that announcement, Harmonix has also responded to the PAX pack problem. The company cited that the song "Livin' on the Corner of Dude and Catastrophe" (how appropriately named) by MC Frontalot, was the cause of the imbroglio. "Users who downloaded that track or the entire pack found that they were not able to play this content in the game. Furthermore, downloading the pack meant that all three songs in the pack failed to load." The new patch out on Thursday will also fix this little snag; though impatient lot can re-download and replace their tracks as soon as the fixed tracks make it through to Sony.
PS3Fanboy
Sep 6, 2008
Hack (or recover) your hand-held real good and proper like with DJB’s updated version of PSP Pandora Deluxe; dubbed PPD for short. I once described PPD so wonderfully; I’ll just reiterate that –
Conveniently handle all your Pandora needs with DJB’s all-in-one solution… PSP Pandora Deluxe prepares your — preferably second or extra — memory stick to be used with a Pandora Battery. This program will not convert your battery; however, it does include the necessary support tools to do just that.
PSP Pandora Deluxe v1.3 changes:
Fixed the Installer (wasn’t installing to specified path).
Added Windows 98SE/ME/2000/2003 Support.
Added an option to use MSPFormat to format the stick.
Added an option to inject the Time Machine IPL Loader.
Added more XMB Support Tools:
FuSa screenShoot
JoySens 1.42b
Download:
PSP Pandora Deluxe v1.3
Sony Firmware Updates
PSP-Hacks
We honestly can't remember if this mini-game called Qore Wars has ever been in the previous issues of Qore, but we're still putting this out and letting you know that it exists. Like Death Orb, another mini-game found in Qore (which has been around since the first issue), Qore Wars can be accessed by hitting the shoulder triggers while on the main menu of the September issue. Tapping L2 brings you to Qore Wars -- an alien shooter; tapping R2 brings you to Death Orb -- a Pong-like game. Both games are short, five minute diversions that are fun for the weekend.
PS3Fanboy
Sep 3, 2008
Sam, a community developer over the PlayStation.com forums, states that there will be a "limited public beta" for LittleBigPlanet in September. No other details were given at this time. "If it will be possible to 'sign up' for this test, full information on how to do so will be made public in advance of the test. Similarly if the test is going to be conducted in an invitation-only we will let you know ahead of time."
In an earlier post, Sam also hinted at how many people will get in to this beta. Accommodating everyone will be impossible, but "it will be large enough that many people from around the world will get in." There also won't be a demo for LBP, at least not before the release date, "due to the complexity and scale of the game."
We'll keep you updated in regards to the beta as more information is made available.
PS3FANBOY
Sep 2, 2008
So LittleBigPlanet is complete. You know this from our interview at Leipzig. We've been covering the game pretty closely since its reveal at GDC 2007, so we wanted something a little special for our PAX 2008 coverage. What could be more special than building the Joystiq logo and stickering the thing to death, before riding off in a fully-functional tank? We've sped it up and added some music you might be familiar with, to give you a bite sized, level building experience. Hopefully, for the LittleBigObsessed, we'll have the full 15 minute video available for you to check out soon.
Today is the last day you can head over to EA's Battlefield: Bad Company site to vote for which two maps you'd liked to see modified to become a Conquest battleground in an upcoming map pack. You can choose between Acta Non Verba, Crossing Over, Par for the Course, Ghost Town, Welcome to Bad Company and Crash and Grab. It looks like Par for the Course is at the head of the pack, with Acta Non Verba at a distant second. In addition to the two maps selected in this democratic manner, two will be dictated to us by DICE. Make your voice heard by casting your vote here.
PS3FANBOY
Sep 1, 2008
It's slightly ironic to be writing an article about 'getting a job' on Labor Day; however, the work we speak of is probably one you won't want to take a holiday from. In an interview with CVG, Media Molecule's Pete Smith spoke about the possibility of recruiting top LittleBigPlanet community designers to join the Britain-based team.
"We will be aware of who those awesome designers are and certainly there's the potential to get them building levels as part of the dev team," said Smith. With LittleBigPlanet coming out on October 29 in Europe (open October date for other regions), that gives starry-eyed, yet Hotpocket-breathed gamers just about two months to start planning out those designs a curriculum vitae.
PS3FANBOY
Looks like Project Abraham, getawarjob and America First America Only, three of the four Resistance 2 ARG sites, have been met their ends. There is nothing left on getawarjob, while Project Abraham left us a few clues. A letter in the inbox shows the Project has been stopped and moved from Alaska to Bryce Canyon facility, as well as an end letter from Dr. Aklin summarizing the work she has done. The last test subject, Kenneth Danby, was apparently released as well.
At America First America Only, a letter declaring "They've been on to us!" has been left behind. They are moving "further underground" and the last issue of their news letter, volume 7, is hidden away in their archives.
The only site remaining is SrpaNet, but we haven't had any luck figuring out the new login. Is the Resistance 2 ARG over until the release of the game in a couple of months? Or will there be more? Luckily for us, there is a Resistance wiki over at Wikia, and almost all the documents on the site can be reviewed there. Check it out.
PS3FANBOY
Aug 31, 2008
Black Mask
Eraser
Every Which Way But Loose
The Gauntlet
The Invincible Iron Man
Marine Aquarium
Married Life
The Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow
Outbreak
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Transformers
Under Siege 2 - Dark Territory
US Games
Mercenaries 2: World In Flames
Rapala Fishing Frenzy
Vampire Rain: Altered Species
NFL Head Coach 2009
Facebreaker
EU Games
Mercenaries 2: World In Flames
Assassin's Creed (Platinum)
FaceBreaker
Monster Madness: Grave Danger
Asian Games
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (The Best)
Aug 28, 2008
One of the big differentiating factors between Xbox LIVE and PLAYSTATION Network is the cost. PSN has tried to stand out as the better value, by offering free online gameplay. The Network is trying to expand to other free services, such as Home and the Euro-exclusive VidZone, which offers streaming music videos for free.
Of course, that's not the end to Sony's ambitious plans. Shuhei Yoshida explains to GI.biz that Sony alone cannot manage all the experiences it wants to provide. "We can't support all the needs of the consumer," Yoshida admits. However, "there are great companies providing services on the PC already - so we're very open to provide the opportunity to those companies to reach our user base as well."
Once again, it looks like unique advertising relationships must be established. By offering advertisers a unique platform to highlight their goods, players will be able to enjoy an expansive lineup of services for free. "We like to provide as many services as possible for free - we already provide our network access for gameplay for free - and the interesting thing about the network side and the Internet business is that there's a variety of revenue sources," he said. "Not necessarily getting people to pay, but with advertising and so on."
PS3FANBOY
MTV Games, via Entertainment Weekly, has unveiled the six upcoming downloadable albums for Rock Band 2. Each one is suppose to a "seminal full album" by each artist:
- "The Colour and the Shape" -- Foo Fighters
- "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" -- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- "Nothing's Shocking" -- Jane's Addiction
- "Peace Sells ... But Who's Buying" -- Megadeth
- "Texas Flood" -- Stevie Ray Vaughn
PS3FANBOY
In an interview with Die Welt, Sony CEO Howard Stringer tells the German newspaper he believes Sony captured the casual audience before Nintendo did. "We held the same target group with the Singstar karaoke game. But perhaps we neglected to pursue that avenue." He admits that PlayStation titles target hardcore gamers. "Playstation games are rather designed for those who play a lot. Although it's a different strategy, it pays off. We currently have a production bottleneck with the PlayStation 3 ... Consumers are purchasing our PlayStation 3 video game consoles faster than we can produce them." Stringer also doesn't see Nintendo as a rival. "The Wii is not succeeding at our expense – it is not hurting us. We decided years ago to build a game console that offers much greater functionality."
Stringer confesses that the $3,000,000,000 spent on the PS3, discounting R&D, will take a long while to recuperate. Though Sony is still losing money on hardware, the CEO informs us that the amount they are making with software is greater than the lost they suffer with hardware. Finally, he doesn't think they will be a price cut for the PS3 before Christmas.
With games like the recently announced Eyepet, it seems like Sony at least wants in on some of that casual gamer action that Nintendo has been getting. Another point to ponder is, should Sony reconsider their strategy of selling a system with such huge losses the next time around? Or will the PS3 make back all the money it lost in the beginning, just like the PS2?
PS3FANBOY
Aug 27, 2008
If you've been meaning to pick up Soulcalibur IV -- which was released about a month ago -- but have yet to, then perhaps you've been waiting for that demo that was promised. If you find yourself in with that crowd, perhaps getting some playtime with the newly released demo off the Japanese PS Store will tickle your fancy.
The demo, which is completely in English, weighs-in at about 879MB. It'll allow players to fight a few rounds as either Cassandra (pictured getting whacked in the head) or Nightmare (not pictured). For those of you who want to check out the weapon-clashing blades of SC IV, log into your Japanese accounts and download it. For those of you who don't have a Japanese account and are not in a rush, there's a pretty big chance of seeing the demo on your local PS Store update tomorrow.
PS3FANBOY
We love bizarre Japanese promotions, like this one between Sony Computer Entertainment and Tokyu Hotels. During the month of September, they'll have a special campaign which starts at 19,000 yen. Special Afrika-themed rooms will include a special projector screen displaying high-resolution images from the upcoming PS3 safari game. A special exotic meal will be prepared and delivered to your room as you enjoy the digitally rendered African environment from the PS3. At the very least, this beats having to stay in a boring non-Afrika themed room, right?
PS3FANBOY
he only time we ever saw a PLAYSTATION Network card was when Sony gave us one for Christmas. Never -- not even once -- have we seen these cards available at a retail store. This is easily one of the most demanded items from our readers, many who don't have a credit card to use for the PSN. Thankfully, support for these cards will expand in September to stores we've actually heard of.
According to the PlayStation website, these pre-paid cards can be found at Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Rite-Aid this September. So whether you're renting a movie, drinking a Slurpee, or buying some condoms in a rush -- keep an eye out for these PSN cards.
PS3FANBOY
In a game like LittleBigPlanet, sharing user generated content is a big part of the experience. Ever more so, protecting one's personal creations is going to be an even bigger issue. With players expected to swap content daily, one has to wonder how will players control the distribution of unique content in the do-it-yourself platformer?
The answer is that the game will utilize a simple system called "copyright" which is not the same as the legal sense. Players can "copyright" objects which are collectibles in their levels; copyright items can be used by the people who've collected them, but they won't be able to alter your content or give it away to others. Non-copyright items can be edited and shared freely by anyone. Additionally, you can control who is allowed to use your levels by setting a difficulty rating and/or giving away invite keys.
PS3Fanboy
Aug 25, 2008
Looks like the 80GB Core PS3 may be more energy efficient than ever. A user at the Slickdeals forum connected his brand new 80GB Core system to a Kill-a-watt and discovered a slight energy savings. For example, the 40GB model used 155.2 watts when playing MGS4 -- the 80GB model used only 130 watts. The 40GB used 125.8 watts when idle on the XMB, while the 80GB used 111.9 watts. The popular theory is that Sony has secretly switched to new 65nm RSX chips: these are cheaper to manufacture, and are considered more reliable. Sony has not yet responded to these claims, but we wouldn't be surprised if each new SKU introduces new savings for the costly PS3 manufacturing process.
PS3FANBOY
Home and LittleBigPlanet have a lot of common elements. Both focus on empowering the player with a wide range of customization options, both are PS3 exclusives, and both will be available this fall season. With so many parallels drawn, it's only natural that somebody would ask Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans if the two would share cross functionality with one another. Eurogamer were not shy to inquire; however, Mr. Evans was a tad reluctant to spill the Sackboy beans.
While Evans said that he couldn't "announce anything right now," he did open up the doors to possibility. Pointing back to GDC, Evans reminded of a presentation which was done in Home and had a Sony-built LittleBigPlanet space. Not only was there proof that such content can exist, but he also cited how close the LBP crew was with the Home team -- they're "just down the road from us ... I'm looking forward to getting the LittleBigPlanet space in there, working on it and making it cool." It seems like the possibilities are very real; however, it also looks like you'll be customizing levels in LittleBigPlanet first before ever tinkering with LBP in Home.
PS3Fanboy
It's funny you should ask, because Joystiq just posted a hands-on report of Killzone 2's Multiplayer from Leipzig. So if you're as intrigued by this game as we are we suggest you check it out and see what they thought. By which, we mean us. All this third-person talk is starting to get a little confusing, so just click the link and be done with it.
Killzone 2 is shaping up to be an incredible game, and not just graphically. While we didn't originally expect the multiplayer to be a big draw for the game, it's definitely now the most exciting aspect. If Guerilla Games succeeds in giving us an awesome single player campaign too, Resistance 2 will have to make the most of its few months head start, because Killzone 2 has the potential to flatten it.
PS3FANBOY
Repeating its E3 performance, LittleBigPlanet took top honors at this year's Games Convention show as the "Best PS3 Game." At this point, we shouldn't have to explain exactly why it's so popular -- we're pretty sure you can see for yourself.
Another repeat winner took the crown for "Best PSP Game" -- Resistance Retribution. The upcoming Sony Bend shooter bridges the gap between the first and second games and does so in jaw-dropping style.
Finally, "Best Xbox 360 Game" went to Mirror's Edge ... which coincidentally enough, is also coming on PS3. See the full platform winners on GameDaily.
PS3FANBOY
Aug 24, 2008
US Games
* Disgaea 3: Absense of Justice
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
* Ferrari Challenge
* Vampire Rain: Altered Species
EU Games
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Asian Games
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
* Afrika
* Battlefield: Bad Company
* Disgaea 3: Absense of Justice
The much-anticipated former HD-DVD exclusive TV series Heroes is making its way over to Blu-ray this week. That alone is enough to make many of us quite happy, but check out the rest of this week's releases:
* Action Starter Pack (Miami Vice / End of Days / U-571)
* The Adventures of Robin Hood
* Afro Samurai: Season One - Director's Cut
* Blue Man Group: How to Be a Megastar Live!
* Dude, Where's My Car?
* End of Days
* Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet
* Heroes: Season 1
* Heroes: Season 2
* Miami Vice (Unrated Director's Edition)
* The Nightmare Before Christmas
* Ocean Oasis (IMAX)
* Pale Rider
* Postal
* Redbelt
* The Secret
* U-571
* What Happens in Vegas
A favorite amongst the Hot Topic crowd, a definitive edition of The Nightmare Before Christmas featuring a ton of new bonus materials is a must-have for fans of the film. Ashton Kutcher devotees should savor his comedic films Dude, Where's My Car? and What Happens in Vegas. The Action Starter Pack, which includes the movies Miami Vice, End of Days and U-571, are a collection of rather mediocre affairs that can be used to show off your new HDTV to the neighbors. The Secret takes an old concept of spirit possession and takes it into a taboo territory, and the results are a little mixed. Pale Rider, one of Clint Eastwood's lesser known Westerns, is also worth checking out.
PS3FANBOY
Aug 23, 2008
Confident Sony takes advantage of Bank Holiday as new SKU launches today
Sony has told MCV that the introduction of its new 80GB PS3 will rapidly push up demand for the console – as it brings the launch date forward a week to this Friday (August 22nd).
Following its flurry of announcements at the Leipzig Game Convention last night, SCE UK boss Ray Maguire told MCV that the platform holder is very confident in its new SKU – as it goes head-to-head with Microsoft’s 120GB 360 Elite and newly launched 60GB Xbox 360 Pro.
Maguire said that PS3’s “easily removable” hard drive sets it apart from its competitor, and claimed that PS3’s downloadable content is second-to-none.
“Our operations department in Japan managed to deliver the 80GB PS3 a week earlier than was originally anticipated in order to maximise the Bank Holiday weekend,” Maguire told MCV. “In terms of demand, we expect this to increase.
“Currently we have titles ranging from the Pixel Junk series and Siren Blood Curse, to Gran Turismo Prologue and Warhawk all available within the PlayStation Store – and looking ahead we have much to look forward to, with releases such as Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty and SOCOM Confrontation amongst others.
“Similarly, many of our upcoming Blu-Ray releases feature DLC and, with the importance of such content increasing with the releases of games such as LittleBigPlanet, we wanted to give consumers more hard drive space.
“Of course, for the hardcore users who need even more space, we are still very proud to offer the only gaming console with an easily removable hard drive – giving consumers the option to upgrade their memory as and when needed.”
MCVUK
So, looks like Valve cannot ignore the success of the PS3 anymore. Market Director, Doug Lombardi, critically sparked a bit of controversy when he repeatedly attacked the PS3's difficult development architecture, calling it a "waste of time." His studio refused to work on a PS3 version of The Orange Box, leaving it to EA to do the eventual PS3 port.
However, it looks like the continued success of the PS3 has the studio taking back some of his words. "We're always evaluating what's happening in the marketplace and certainly something that's happening in the last couple of months is that Sony's managed to sell some boxes," said Doug Lombardi to CVG. "So whether or not you like developing for that platform, if they've got millions of people connected to that platform and buying their games you have to take it seriously."
While there's "zero chance" for a PS3 version of the upcoming zombie multiplayer game Left 4 Dead this year, there's now a "50-50" chance that it will happen some time next year. While we're fans of Valve's work, we're not entirely sure if the PS3 audience will welcome them with open arms.
PS3FANBOY
Aug 22, 2008
The console version breaks cover for the first time.
It's finally made its way to arcades in Tokyo -- and hopefully before long some enterprising arcade owners will import it out into other territories -- and now Street Fighter IV has made its first appearance running on an Xbox 360.
Retaining the glorious new ink and polygon aesthetic and reviving the spirit of the fondly remembered Street Fighter II, Street Fighter IV on the Xbox 360 is identical to its arcade counterpart in practically every way. Although there's one of Microsoft's subtly revised pads lying around, we took to the game the way it's meant to be played -- with a pair of Hori sticks -- and though we've already had a brief hands-on before, we're pleasantly surprised by the amount of depth at hand. While on the surface its Street Fighter II put through the polygon machine and buffed to HD perfection, there's an immense amount of depth bubbling away underneath.
Indeed, while many of the series' hardcore fans may have bemoaned the supposed dumbing down of Street Fighter after the technically exacting third installment, what we've seen from today's few bouts is that Street Fighter IV has just as much to offer. While it's perfectly possible to bound around the screen taking potshots as we did in our SNES-playing youth, there's also a wealth of extras and specials for the veterans to indulge in, with features like the focus attack and revenge moves proving particularly satisfying.
There's only the most basic of modes on offer for this early build, though we're told to expect a lengthier single player mode similar to that of Virtua Fighter 4 in the final code -- though as yet none of this has been confirmed. All the arcade characters are present, and are soon to be joined by Super Street Fighter II's Cammy, who's sadly absent today. Expect to see more characters unveiled soon -- and we wouldn't bet against personal favourite Fei Long to make an appearance -- and even after the game's release we're told there's likely to be more coming down in the shape of downloadable content.
As for when to expect the port to hit shelves? Our Capcom source tells us that seeing that the original arcade board is a PC in a box, and given that the 360 is a PC in a box, it's unlikely to be too long a wait.
We're hoping to head to Capcom's offices over the next few weeks to bring you fuller impressions, and stay tuned for our in-depth interview with the game's amiable producer Yoshi Ono -- who confirmed our age-old belief that Street Fighter is the thinking man's chess -- later next week.
IGN UK
Although WipEout HD is a PSN download-exclusive game, it looks like it may be priced like a standard retail game. A snapshot of the game's Trophy screen shows a Platinum Trophy for the game -- one that's reserved for full retail games. Shorter, cheaper games on PSN, such as PixelJunk Eden, Super Stardust HD and PAIN, do not feature a Platinum Medal. However, full-priced retail games, such as Uncharted, do grant Platinum Trophies.
With this evidence, we can postulate that WipEout HD will be available for download for at least $30 (the cost of Warhawk, downloaded from the PLAYSTATION Store). SCEA still hasn't announced an official release date or price for the game, but rest assured that the news is forthcoming.
PS3Fanboy
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announces today that it has partnered with the world's largest global WiFi community FON to roll out FON access points for a free internet browser via the PSPxFON collaborative service. Starting today, there are approximately 44,000 FON spots across the country and something like 2,200 in Tokyo alone. Via the service, it's easy to connect PSPs to download game demos, clips, wallpaper and the like. To mark the beginning of the service, there are downloadable goodies for upcoming PSP title DISSIDIA.
Kotaku
We're confused, Mr. Pete Smith, producer of upcoming platform-a-thon LittleBigPlanet. When we spoke to you during today's LittleBigPlanet breakdown session you said that "the game will have a global server." Now we hear that you told CVG something a little different. User generated content will be region locked? Normally we'd say "we're not sure who to believe" at this point, but seeing as both statements come from the same person, we're doubly confused.
Maybe you meant that the gameplay servers would be global. But what good is that if the people playing with each other can't access the same content? Will we be limited to playing with our foreign friends in one of the 50ish levels included on the game disc? Kind of defeats the point of the game, doesn't it? Sadly, we're not able to find out for sure until after the weekend, but rest assured we're actively looking to get confirmation either way.
PS3FANBOY
According to a listing at the ESRB, the formerly XBLA exclusive puzzle game GEON: Emotions is headed over to the PSN. GEON's gameplay is somewhat similar to Pac-Man, where you collect pellets known as emotes on a two-sided grid. When the cube is charged after consuming enough emotes, you attempt to score a point by landing in the central area of your opponent's side of the grid. You also choose an emotion at the start of each match, which then determines which power-up gives you the strongest effects. Check the trailer for the XBLA version of the game, after the jump.
PS3Fanboy
Prince of Persia has been revamped and cel-shaded and is evident in the video above, the developer of the game has graced us with a seven minute walkthrough to show you what the game will be like. The voice behind the Prince is non-other than Tim Schafer.
After watching the Killzone 2 multiplayer trailer, we wondered how much more fun the game's online mode would be without your typical multiplayer douche. Well, now we can find out! The upcoming FPS will, indeed, feature bots. These will be fully customizable difficulty-wise, and can fill in for players either online or offline, allowing any Billy-No-Mates to enjoy a friendly match every once in a while.
Additionally, vehicles are currently only available in the single player mode. Multiplayer vehicles will be patched in after the game is released. Also being patched post-launch is a co-op mode for the story. Whether this will be online or not, we're not entirely certain. Considering the long delay Killzone has suffered enjoyed, we're surprised this won't be included from the get-go. Perhaps we'll have to pay for it, but we're used to that by now, right? Be sure to check out our full Killzone 2 hands-on impressions, coming soon.
Update: Guerrilla has a history of making free DLC with Killzone: Liberation (PSP). They released an Infrastructure multiplayer mode and an extra single player level months after the game's release.
PS3FANBOY
Did you try out the demo for The Last Guy yesterday? If you did, and if you liked it, you'll probably be glad to know this bit of news. According to IGN, The Last Guy will be available for the North American PS Store next week on August 28. As for the price, it's going to cost only $9.99 -- nearly half the price of the Japanese version which will release on the same day.
So make sure you play up that demo over and over again, and practice saving the herds and herds of people. You'll also want to check out Andrew's hands-on with the US version to prepare for the monster-dodging to come.
PS3FANBOY
We had a video of the NES Emulator on the site a couple days ago and we thought we were doing a disservice to all of our daily readers if we did not show you how to run/install the PS3 Filer v0.0.3 with NES Emulation onto your Playstation 3.
Installation:
Download: PS3 Filer 0.0.3
Thanks PS3-Hacks!
Eurogamer TV has just obtained a brand new trailer for Resistance 2. It doesn't show any gameplay. Rather, it explains in detail the sick, twisted alternate history of the upcoming PS3-exclusive FPS. See how the Chimeran attack against America begins here.
If you're not a Qore subscriber, you may wish to drop the relatively small amount of cash for an annual subscription. Otherwise, it seems you'll keep missing out on special stuff like this.
First, those who purchased Qore episode three were given special treatment when it came to the Resistance 2 beta (at least, that's what should happen in the very near future), and now, more special treatment for Qore members. According to DarkZero, Sony plans to release a playable demo for the highly anticipated MotorStorm: Pacific Rift with the next Qore episode on the PlayStation Network. You'll get to play it "a month before anyone else," because while the demo is coming to the PlayStation Store for everyone to try, it won't arrive until one week before the launch of the game...and that's not until the first of October. The fourth episode of Qore, on the other hand, is set for the first week of September. Well, at least, we assume that's when it will drop; the first three Qore episodes came on the first Thursday of every month, so that would put episode four on September 4.
Many are anxiously awaiting the sequel to one of the PS3's best early titles, and in doing the research, we've learned MotorStorm: Pacific Rift should be bigger and better in every possible way.
PSXExtreme
Two new passwords have been revealed for Metal Gear Solid 4. Inputting the access codes in the 'Extras' menu gives players two new weapons: Thor .45-70 large-caliber hand rifle and The Boss' Patriot from Metal Gear Solid 3. Here are the two codes, respectively: tshsniammr and pkhhnwhsjt.
In addition to the new codes, there's also new music for the in-game iPod titled "Battle." It's a track from the Plant Chapter in MGS2. It seems Konami is really cranking up the fan service ... and we like it!
When you have a title as long as Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, you don't really want to make an even-longer headline. This PSN-exclusive brings multiplayer arcade car-battling to the PS3, and we're in shock -- we were actually surprised at how fun this looks! With Trophy and YouTube support, we're going to pay closer attention to this potential gem in the PSN library.
PS3Fanboy
It looks like Qore has scored yet another exclusive for its upcoming issue. The PSN video magazine will cover games like LittleBigPlanet, Prince of Persia, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift and BioShock. However, more exciting are the Burger King-sponsored downloads. Qore purchasers will be able to get their hands on the MotorStorm demo a month before the general public, and they'll also get an exclusive LittleBigPlanet theme.
Qore is available for $2.99 an issue, $24.99 for an annual subscription. Annual subscriptions include access to Calling All Cars.
PS3FANBOY
It looks like the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark really is getting quite a significant revamp. A number of changes have been chronicled at Gamespot, with the game's major changes coming from the controls. Edward, the game's lead protagonist is now more agile, being able to move around in a quicker less "tank-like" manner. A new camera will make things easier to see -- expect players to die less frequently on the PS3 thanks to the easier controls and improved camera.
But that's not all. The innovative inventory system still returns, but players can now quickly select items with the D-Pad. Driving has also been far improved, with much more realistic suspension. Your female companion will scream directions during the much-too-confusing driving segments, assisting players greatly. Finally, the PS3 version will also get an added scene in the game's sixth act that takes place in the subway. "It involves a subway train, a large enemy, and lots of explosives--we'll say no more about it for now, for fear of spoiling it for you."
Will all these changes help improve the overall experience on the PS3? We're hopeful. Expect more before the game's release in November.
PS3FANBOY
Aug 21, 2008
Looking forward to the 160GB PS3? Then we hope you are not in Australia, for you will not be getting the configuration. Though the new 80GB configuration is still headed your way on August 28th for AU $699, which includes a single DualShock 3 controller.
Now onto the good news: the wireless keypad attachment has been confirmed to debut "before the end of the year." PlayTV is also confirmed for Australia in the "first half of 2009." Though with the recent reduction in features, we wonder if you guys Down Under still want the DVB-T tuner peripheral.
PS3FANBOY
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)