Take a first look at C.O.R.E. a futuristic and fast paced action FPS for the Nintendo DS. It is the 20th of the XXI century and an unidentified object has crashed on the Earth, so the government builds a complex around the crash site and shenanigans ensue. This has a strong Doom meets AREA 5 feel to it, decent FPS for the DS but I think it needs a bit more, curious if this will have any stylus support? (Source Loot Ninja)
Monday, June 30, 2008
PSPKVM v0.4.1 - Java VM For PSP
M@x and Sleepper have released a maintenance-focused update to their popular Java virtual machine emulator for the PSP. Known as PSPKVM, it can run both games and applications compiled with Sun Microsystems’ Java 2 Platform Micro Edition toolkit (J2ME) on any PSP that has custom firmware installed.Alongside numerous bug fixes, version 0.4.1 notably features improved file system performance, as well as support for inputting symbols and numbers while the Chinese language input screen is open. Hit the jump for the full changelog. (Source ExoPhase)
Download the JVM here.
Rumor: Xbox 360 to Get $50 Price Drop
Is Microsoft getting ready to announce a price drop for the Xbox 360 early next month?A scan of a K-Mart sales flyer has popped up on forums, revealing a 20 GB Xbox 360 with a "new low price" of $299.99 -- a $50 drop from the current retail price.
The original poster of the scan -- on the High Def Digest forums -- states that the sales ad will be out on July 6th. That would be strange timing, since E3 starts a week later.
Also, the partial scan doesn't show any of the other Xbox 360 bundles currently on the market -- like the Elite -- but a drop like this should affect those as well, if not in the same proportion.
While on the topic of 360 rumors, another juicy one featured in EGM's Quartermann gossip column suggests that Microsoft is planning on licensing Xbox 360 technology to other companies. The best example of what to expect would be the Panasonic Q multimedia console, which featured the innards of a Gamecube, alongside CD/DVD playback functionality. (Source Wired Blog)
New Content Coming to R6: Vegas 2
Some free stuff content is coming to Rainbow Six: Vegas 2. That’s right, I said the magic word: FREE. Ubisoft will be releasing the Fan Pack containing three new maps, further ranks to obtain past Elite, some gameplay balancing tweaks, and a new tactical-based gameplay mode called High Stakes.If you aren’t playing R6: Vegas 2 online, you’re definitely missing out. It’s one of the best online shooters out there, right along with CoD4, Bad Company, and Halo 3. It definitely sticks out from the crowd with it’s unique gameplay modes, especially my favorite: Terrorist Hunt.
The Fan Pack is scheduled to hit the Xbox 360 and PS3 in late July, so stay tuned as we get a firm release date from Ubisoft. Should be a good summer for gaming. (Source Loot-Ninja)
PS3: Firmware 2.40 releasing on July 2nd!
Just got this from Sony: “I’m pleased to announce Firmware 2.40 will be released Wednesday 2nd July.”
The following games are now confirmed to include Trophy support:
BUZZ! Quiz TV
LittleBigPlanet
MotorStorm Pacific Rift
NBA 09 - PS3
PAIN
PixelJunk Eden
Resistance 2
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
Warhawk
Press release after the link.
PS3 to receive new online functionality
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced new online gaming functions for the PlayStation 3, which will be implemented on July 2 with the release of the 2.40 firmware upgrade.
Among the new features the system upgrade will bring, is access to the XrossMediaBar in-game, meaning that gamers can access the PS3 menu at any time while playing most games, through the PlayStation button on their controller.
The firmware upgrade will also add in-game communication functionality previously unavailable on the PS3, such as the ability to check if friends are online and to read and send messages without having to quit a game being played.
Sony has also announced the inclusion of game trophies - the PS3's answer to Microsoft's Achievements - which will award players with a gold, silver, bronze or platinum awards. The first game to offer trophies will be Super Stardust HD followed by Buzz! Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Resistance 2, Socom: U.S. Navy Seals Confrontation and Warhawk, among others. (Source Games Industry)
The following games are now confirmed to include Trophy support:
BUZZ! Quiz TV
LittleBigPlanet
MotorStorm Pacific Rift
NBA 09 - PS3
PAIN
PixelJunk Eden
Resistance 2
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
Warhawk
Press release after the link.
PS3 to receive new online functionality
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced new online gaming functions for the PlayStation 3, which will be implemented on July 2 with the release of the 2.40 firmware upgrade.
Among the new features the system upgrade will bring, is access to the XrossMediaBar in-game, meaning that gamers can access the PS3 menu at any time while playing most games, through the PlayStation button on their controller.
The firmware upgrade will also add in-game communication functionality previously unavailable on the PS3, such as the ability to check if friends are online and to read and send messages without having to quit a game being played.
Sony has also announced the inclusion of game trophies - the PS3's answer to Microsoft's Achievements - which will award players with a gold, silver, bronze or platinum awards. The first game to offer trophies will be Super Stardust HD followed by Buzz! Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Resistance 2, Socom: U.S. Navy Seals Confrontation and Warhawk, among others. (Source Games Industry)
Sony files patent for handheld with touchscreen
On Friday, SCEA was successfully granted a patent for “ a hand-held device with touchscreen and digital tactile pixels." While it would be a leap of logic to suggest that they are planning to release a ‘DSP’, the fact is that “game device” is one of the potential applications that was listed.Of course it could be used in one of the many other handheld devices that was also listed such as phone, portable media player, email device, web browser device or navigation device.
As well as the touchscreen, Sony also mentions the mysterious “digital tactile pixels”, which apparently will use vibration as the tactile response. Intriguing…
Also interesting is the fact that former head of SCE Phil Harrison is listed as the inventor of this patent. Harrison is now heading up Atari.
Other interesting patents filed by the company include one that mentions connectivity between the SIXAXIS/Dual-Shock controller and the PSP. This would essentially allow PSP games to be controlled with the normal PS3 gamepad. Sadly, many patents never see the light of day. (Source Gaming Verdict)
Diablo 3 Announced
After months of rampant speculation, Blizzard has officially announced Diablo 3 at its Worldwide Invitational event in Paris. The game is said to feature more quests than ever, with the focus being put on cooperative gaming. It will feature Deckard Cain, as well as a new version of Tristram and a new class called the Witch Doctor. This class of warrior will use magic to cast disease and mind control spells, as well as make use of pets such as locust swarms and mongrels.Armor will now be class-specific, and will be designed to provide each character a unique look. Classes are said to be more diverse. Other improvements to the game include several control enhancements, including full zoom capability and a hotbar to easily access skills.
Players will be able to make use of the environment, bursting through walls and using the surrounding environment to kill enemies.
The full website for the game has launched, offering the first screenshots, artwork, information and even various trailers. Hit the jump for more information. (Source Digital Battle)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Next GT.TV Features: Call of Duty 5, Lord of the Rings, More
The next episode of GameTrailers TV comes packed with four exclusives. First off, they will be showing us the first footage of Call of Duty: World at War in action along with the first gameplay of BioWare's Lord of the Rings: Conquest. Besides that, they will be revealing a new Star Wars game (looks like a Wii exclusive, however) along with the first gameplay footage of UFC 2009 that looks amazing from the preview. Tune in Friday! (Source ScrawlFx)
PS3 Wii Break-Apart Controller is Two Years Old
Goodness knows how much furore has been generated about the 'PlayStation 3 Wii-like controller that breaks into two pieces and lets you motion sense!' - but we've asked analysts and they tell us that 33.34% of rumours reported in the last two days were based on that.
Well, we remember October 2006 when lots of people were talking about In2Games Fusion motion sensing. Back then, we were told that, "this “unique wireless motion sensor system” – codenamed Fusion – is going to allow publishers to develop true cross-platform titles incorporating full motion-sensing control."
You may even recall a video that from the time... if you don't remember it, it showed In2Games Elliott Myers breaking a PS2 (or maybe 3) controller into to pieces and using it for... motion control (even throwing it like a grenade!)
But just because the idea is old doesn't mean the device won't be coming to a PlayStation 3 (or 2 for that matter) near you sometime in the future. The video is below via GameTrailers, although it originated at CVG in October 2006. (Source SpOng )
Well, we remember October 2006 when lots of people were talking about In2Games Fusion motion sensing. Back then, we were told that, "this “unique wireless motion sensor system” – codenamed Fusion – is going to allow publishers to develop true cross-platform titles incorporating full motion-sensing control."
You may even recall a video that from the time... if you don't remember it, it showed In2Games Elliott Myers breaking a PS2 (or maybe 3) controller into to pieces and using it for... motion control (even throwing it like a grenade!)
But just because the idea is old doesn't mean the device won't be coming to a PlayStation 3 (or 2 for that matter) near you sometime in the future. The video is below via GameTrailers, although it originated at CVG in October 2006. (Source SpOng )
You Can Use A Sixaxis or DS3 to Control a PSP in Remote Play?
Apparently you can. PSU member AznBoiz has posted over on the Official Sony Forums that this is possible through the use of Remote Play. Not only can you use it to control things such as browsing the Internet, but you can reportedly use it to control original PlayStation titles as well. Here’s a video demonstration AznBoiz was kind enough to share with everyone on the forums.
It's amazing what people find is possible to do with the Remote Play functionality that exists between the PS3 and PSP. Truly makes you wonder what other functions and features that are already in existence that we have yet to take advantage of.
(Source PlayStationLifeStyle)
It's amazing what people find is possible to do with the Remote Play functionality that exists between the PS3 and PSP. Truly makes you wonder what other functions and features that are already in existence that we have yet to take advantage of.
(Source PlayStationLifeStyle)
Twilight Hack protection already beaten
Nintendo's going to have to devise more minor Mii Channel upgrades, because they'll have more homebrew-killing attempts to barely camouflage. Almost immediately after the new Wii Menu 3.3 software went up and killed the Twilight Hack, coders at the HackMii blog figured out what the new code was: surprisingly, it was targeted specifically at the one Twilight Princess bug that enables homebrew loading. And they found bugs in that.Soon after, they wrote up some code that exploits the bugs in the new security code, and allows them to "fool their check into ignoring the TP hack." They have yet to release the fix, but at least we can stop panicking until the next update.
The blog post goes into explicit detail about Nintendo's update code, and it's interesting reading even if you know nothing about programming. We know this firsthand.
The Conduit: New Screenshots
Third Party developers have no excuses anymore... The Conduit, being released exclusively for the Wii, is a graphical masterpiece for the little console that could. It shows that the Wii is capable of much more graphically than most third party developers are willing to put the time (and money) in to achieve.
Click images below to enlarge.
Click images below to enlarge.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Star Wars: Clone Wars announced for Wii and DS
It may have been slow to arrive, but that galaxy far, far away has finally come to Wii. First, with LEGO Star Wars and next with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. But LucasArts may be saving the best for last in the form of a ground-up Wii-exclusive effort based on the upcoming animated movie and TV series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The title, developed by Krome Studios, is set to hit Nintendo's console later this year and it's designed to make full use of the Wii remote. Find out how in our exclusive interview with producer Ken Fox below. We've also been able to use the Force to bring you the first screenshot of the game in motion. (Source IGN)
Read the full interview here
AMD Changes the Game!!!
Chip maker AMD has invested heavily into hyperbole research, proudly proclaiming that its new graphics chip, the RV770, is "more powerful than every generation of video game console ever brought to market combined." The RV770, demoed Monday, is capable of processing one trillion floating operations per second on a single chip, a feat that AMD says "punches a sizeable hole in the sensory barrier."In short, that means things will look prettier and more realistic, giving game creators nearly limitless depths of brown to explore, with space marine armor achieving nearly unimaginable levels of detail.
AMD has a brief tech demo that show off the RV770 at its official site, featuring a DOG from Half-Life 2 clone chasing graphics card mascot Ruby. You'll probably find it as rewarding as the corporate promise of "Cinema 2.0." That's definitely gonna catch on. (Source Kotaku)
Grotesque: New Screenshots
Grotesque is a new adventure/RPG from German developer Silent Dreams, and promises to be an original blend of traditional fantasy RPG (like Gothic, Fable, Baldur's Gate, Planescape Torment) and sarcastic humor with adventure elements along the lines of Monkey Island.
Sony PS3 to get Nintendo Wii Balance Board type device
When it comes to games consoles that require a peripheral it is the Nintendo Wii that is king, this is since the launch of the Balance Board. However; other consoles have had great success with using peripherals. Games which have utilized this are Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Both these titles have seen great success, so just think how future titles will be perceived by the public if more was launched.The world of gaming is full of rumours the latest being that, the Sony PS3, Xbox 360 and PC are to get some sort of motion sensing board. The board much like the Wii Balance Board will be used for Activision’s upcoming title Tony Hawk’s Adrenaline.
The game is still in its development stage but if the rumour were true, then it would be a great addition to the Tony Hawks game. If Sony did introduce a motion sensing board, then this will open the floodgates for a great number of titles, it could also help to increase the sales of the ever popular PS3.
Activision has noticed that there have been many rumours over the net about a new motion sensing board, and they feel that they need to respond to the rumours. They have said that they wish to dampen speculation; the strange thing is they have refused to confirm or deny the claims. Activision has told Eurogamer that “We regularly test all kinds of game concepts and pricing strategies using market research.” They also added “All of which are options whose outcomes are yet to be determined.”
Oh well looks like we are all still in the dark a bit, lets just watch this space. (Source Product-Reviews.net)
Play Wii in 1080p?
Allow me to start off by clearing the air... there is no official way of displaying Wii games in 1080p, although that would be quite nice. So then what is this post about?Imagine a Wii emulator running on the PS3. The emulator would use an actual Wiimote (with nun-chuck and/or other assessories) for it's motion controls, as the Wiimote is a Bluetooth device and the PS3 supports Bluetooth. Both the Wii and PS3 use IBM PowerPC-based processors, thus emulation of the instruction set is probably not necessary, just virtualization which would be incredibly fast. Additionally, since the PS3 supports resolutions up to 1080p, the emulator could upscale the video to 720p, 1080i, or even 1080p, resulting in improved graphics!
The only thing I'm unsure about how to handle exactly, is the fact that the Wiimote uses infrared (IR) via the sensor bar to determine where the Wiimote is pointing onscreen. I've read that the Wiimote can track it's relative position to a red LED, and perhaps that could be a potential solution; just setup a LED under or over your television set.
There are already a few Gamecube emulators out there, and one of these could be used as the basis for a Wii emulator.
Now before you get too excited, I'm not advocating piracy here. I'm describing a system that would use official Wii peripherals and Wii game discs, not ISO images.
Please let me know what you think in the comments section.
There are already a few Gamecube emulators out there, and one of these could be used as the basis for a Wii emulator.
Now before you get too excited, I'm not advocating piracy here. I'm describing a system that would use official Wii peripherals and Wii game discs, not ISO images.
Please let me know what you think in the comments section.
‘Live Free or Die Hard’ Director a Good Choice To Helm ‘Gears of War’ Movie?
It’s been reported that “Live Free or Die Hard” director Len Wisemen will be the Hollywood force responsible for taking “Gears of War” to the big screen.Josh Horowitz over at the MTV Movies Blog recently weighed in on the decision to hire Wisemen, comparing his pre-”Die Hard” films to the works of action director Stephen Sommers.
Since Josh asked us to weigh in, we’re going to do just that. Not only were Sommers’ own “The Mummy” films decent big-budget B-movies, I respectfully disagree that the “Underworld” series is worth writing off. Both films were B-movie fun.
And if you’ve played “Gears of War,” its story (and often lack thereof) fit that mold perfectly. Wiseman is a good choice. Heck, Sommers might’ve been, too.
So readers, while it seems Horowitz and I are both happy with the choice of Wisemen to bring “Gears” to the big screen — are you? (Source MTV)
Macross Ace Frontier Coming to PSP
This week's Famitsu announces mecha Macross Ace Frontier for the PSP. The game is based on the anime Macross Frontier, and hey, the franchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Out in this fall in Japan, the PSP game is being developed by Art Dink (read more about them here) and will be published by Namco Bandai. Like other Macross games, Ace Frontier will feature mecha from all the series and movies like Veritechs from Macross, Macross Plus and Macross 7. There are scans, and they are right down there. (Source Kotaku)
Reflections “working on a whole new version” of Driver
The BBC’s posted video from a tour of Ubisoft Reflections in Newcastle, claiming the company is “working on a whole new version” of Driver.The footage then shows cars being modelled and characters being built for cut-scenes.
The quote comes from the start of this video. We’ve just spoken to Ubisoft about this and PR claims it knows nothing about it at all. The company declined to make a comment.
This second video shows more footage from the studio in a story on the British industry struggling in the face of foreign tax cuts and, again, says that the studio is working on “the latest version of a popular driving game”, but shows footage of Emergency Heroes.
“Phone calls” are being made, apparently.
Thanks, Whizzo. (Source VideoGaming247)
Update: Ubisoft’s properly saying nothing.
PS3 Firmware v2.36 available now
That was fast. Just a matter of hours after mentioning it on its official blog, SCEA has flipped the switch and gone live with v2.36 of the PlayStation 3 firmware. According to the release notes, this revision merely introduces some stability fixes for certain PS1 titles. The real biggie everyone's waiting for is firmware 2.4, which today was confirmed to include in-game XMB support along with the introduction of "trophies," something Sony promises we'll learn more about "soon."
Just when we'd come back from the suggested 15-minute break from MGS4, too! (Source Joystiq)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Gears Of War: Special Edition
According to most sources Gears of War: Special Edition will include the following:
Most sources also seem to believe that the new game won't contain the content that was exclusively released for the PC, or the improved graphics that the latest version of the Unreal Engine 3.0 could provide.
I find it difficult to believe that EPIC really expects us to pay $40 for the above package. I still believe that EPIC and Microsoft plan to take advantage of the huge PR opportunity that would result from a re-release of Gears of War with improved textures and lighting, and the additional Act (containing the Brumack boss fight) that was previously released on PC. It would also generate major excitement for the upcoming release of Gears of War 2 (November 2008).
There are a few clues that lead me to this conclusion:
Gears of War Content
Gamer Picture Pack
Emergence Day Gamer Picture
Emergence Day Theme
“FUTURE WEAPONS” Theme
Emergence Day Message from Cliffy B
Gears of War Map Pack 1 Trailer
Gears of War - Multiplayer Map Pack 1
‘Hidden Fronts’ Multiplayer Map Pack 2
Gears of War 2 Content
Gamer Picture Pack
Teeth Theme
Teaser Trailer
Trailer
Assault Game Play Trailer
Most sources also seem to believe that the new game won't contain the content that was exclusively released for the PC, or the improved graphics that the latest version of the Unreal Engine 3.0 could provide.I find it difficult to believe that EPIC really expects us to pay $40 for the above package. I still believe that EPIC and Microsoft plan to take advantage of the huge PR opportunity that would result from a re-release of Gears of War with improved textures and lighting, and the additional Act (containing the Brumack boss fight) that was previously released on PC. It would also generate major excitement for the upcoming release of Gears of War 2 (November 2008).
There are a few clues that lead me to this conclusion:
- Why not just release Gears of War as a Platinum Hits title?
- Why release a Gears of War: Special Edition at $40, and lower the price of current game to $40 as well? Unless there's something more substantial being offered, and the current game is being phased out.
- Most of the content in the package above is available for free at this point, so the only gamers that would buy the new package are gamers who don't already own the game. However, a release with improved graphics (sharper textures and better lighting) would warrant a purchase by those of us who bought the first game, and still actively play it online.
- EPIC and Microsoft want to make as much money as possible on the sequel to Gears of War. How better to get people excited about the new game's graphical abilities than to re-release the game with improved eye candy, and perhaps a new online mode?
Call of Duty 5 Trailer Premiere
We know there's a fifth Call of Duty game in the works, that it's being developed by Treyarch for mutliple platforms, and that it brings us back to a World War II setting. This weekend, we finally get to see what it looks like.The first trailer for Call of Duty: World at War will premiere this weekend on the Xbox Live Marketplace, and will only be available for download during those two days (June 21-22). There's no doubt that the trailer will somehow hit the web as well, but if you want to see it in glorious HD on your big-screen TV, you'll need to check in then.
This latest entry in the series, which will run on an enhanced version of the Call of Duty 4 engine, is set to introduce co-op play for the first time -- for two players split-screen or four players online -- and so here's hoping we'll get a glimpse of the new mode in the trailer.
Maybe we'll get an official release date too -- so far, only a "2008" date has been announced.
Maybe we'll get an official release date too -- so far, only a "2008" date has been announced.
The image shown is from Call of Duty 3, which was also developed by Treyarch. (Source Wired)
Sony, Microsoft moving into Wii territory a good thing?
I’m not really sure what my opinion on this is. Microsoft have previously said that they’re aware of Nintendo’s huge success with Wii, and that they probably need to rethink their strategy and bring some more fun to the Xbox 360.So, what we get is.. Newton! SeattlePi has confirmed the previously rumored Wii remote clone for the Xbox 360 is in the making at Microsoft, and that it may be out this as soon as this year (the author even promises to give his Wii to charity if it doesn’t). Though, Newton is still only a codename for the product and the image above is of course not the actual product. (Thank god, my left and right hand would fight so much over space that it would become awkward.)
I definitely see a pattern here. We just got news that Microsoft might be introducing avatars to Xbox LIVE, which share a close resemblance to the Mii’s of Nintendo, and now they go the whole nine yards. Furthermore, Sony might be coming up with a breakaway controller as well. Are Microsoft and Sony making the right moves?
What I like about consoles is the diversity. I think you should be able to define what type of gamer you are, and based on that buy the console(s) that suits you. It’s wrong if it doesn’t matter which one you pick. It’s hard enough already to choose between Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 and it doesn’t get any easier if they both go on a Wii mimic-rampage. Don’t get me wrong, competition is a good thing, and if a company is forced to make changes to remain in the game, it’s fine. But changes don’t necessarily mean plagiarism.
I hope that if Newton is real, it will be applied to a minority of games. I think Microsoft would benefit from keeping it away from AAA titles and instead use it for a new target group, like families and kids (and that’s probably the case).
I guess my opinion is to an extent affected by the picture above and Microsoft will most likely use the motion sensor differently than the Wii remote does. The topic still remains though, is it good or bad that the consoles (especially Xbox 360 and PS3) tend to erase the differences between them? I really hope that Sony’s break away controller and the Newton give us something we don’t expect. In which case, we have Nintendo to thank for the newborn creativity. (Source ThatVideoGameBlog)
New Wii menu update 3.3 nullifies Twilight Princess hack
We've got some good news and some bad news. Let's start with the bad news: Nintendo's latest Wii menu update (3.3) effectively plugs up the Twilight Princess hole that served to foster a homebrew community – or, perhaps more accurately, it casts the homebrew community into a realm of darkness. According to the update, "Beacuse unauthorized modifications to save files may impair game play or the Wii Console, updating to Wii Menu version 3.3 will also check for and automatically remove such save files." As for the good news, the Wii menu update also lets you move a Mii from from the Mii Plaza to the Mii Parade, and really, isn't that awesome enough to make up for killing homebrew? The countdown has begun for someone to produce a Wii downgrader.
Update: According to various sources, the Homebrew Channel still work if it was installed before the menu update. (Source Joystiq)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Trioxide brings 360, Wii, PS3 games to PC
Fancy playing your favorite console titles on PC? If our super-fountain of rumors turns out to be gushing truth, you may be able to do just that. Included in the lengthy list of leaks is a device called "Trioxide," which will reportedly allow users to use their home computers to play Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 titles.How exactly would this work? The brief blurb doesn't say, but our best guess is that Trioxide merely allows users to send video and audio signals from their console of choice to the PC for displaying. This theory is reinforced by the blurb, which states that any games played using Trioxide utilize their original game controllers, rather than the PC's keyboard or mouse.
Joystiq previously reviewed the Elgato EyeTV Hybrid (pictured above), a device that performs a very similar signal-display operation. Unlike the EyeTV, Trioxide would likely be designed strictly for game-playing, and would be optimized for low latency. It might not be the magic bullet people were hoping for, but Trioxide could still be a pretty sweet peripheral by our guesstimation. (Source Joystiq)
PSP v4.00 update adds ... XMB Googling
Sony has announced that PSP will graduate to firmware 4.00 this week, marking the unexpected integration of the Google search engine ... directly into the XMB! Woah, Sony. Slow down. We're still recovering from update v3.95's option to quit Remote Play without turning off the PS3.
The latest feature you didn't know you needed and will seldom use promises authentic Google.com search results (which we presume will open in the clunky PSP browser if selected), with an input history of up to 20 items, so you can check up on your exes, your exes' exes, and their exes day to day with ease and efficiency under the guise of "portable gaming." But if the forthcoming Google search ain't sellin' you on "SCEA's commitment to further enhance the mobile entertainment experience on PSP," then perhaps you'll want to crack open v4.00's second easter egg later this week: the ability to change viewing speed -- to faster and slower settings -- during playback of videos stored on a Memory Stick. Huzzah! (Source Joystiq)
Play Wii, XBox 360, and PS3 on a single machine!
CAUTION: this comes from the same place as all the other leaks we've posted on tonight, so now's a good time to remind you they come from a marketing company. Performing surveys for not only Microsoft, but other companies (ie Activision) as well. Which means that while some of this news seems genuine - and imminent - other stuff may just be pie-in-the-sky (like this). Got it? Great, let's continue. Something popping up on the site is called "Trioxide", and claims it will introduce "the ability to play the latest console games (ie Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, etc) on your PC". How? Don't know. Why? Don't know. Is this even legal/doable? Probably not! We don't have much more than the name and the mission statement. But there's two prices listed: $49 and $299, with the more expensive price and boasted controller use seeming to imply that - if this is real, and not, as seems more probable, a figment of some marketers imagination - it'd be a kind of actual device, and not just standalone software. (Source Kotaku)
Sony working on 'break apart' motion PS3 pad
Sony Computer Entertainment is working on a new controller for the PlayStation 3, which features the ability to 'break apart' into two separate units, each of which contains an accelerometer for 'Wiimote-like' motion-sensing functionality, GamesIndustry.biz understands.It's not clear when the pad will be officially announced, but it is believed that working units have already been supplied to certain developer partners, according to sources.
The potential for new game types to be developed with the additional motion-sensing functionality should open up the PlayStation 3 to the sorts of gaming audiences that the Nintendo has been so successful at gathering with its Wii console.
Sony Computer Entertainment will therefore hope that, with the ongoing development of the PlayStation Network, the success of Blu-ray as the de facto next generation standard of video, the gradual roll-out of Home later in the year and the release of additional high definition titles over time, it will be able to overwhelmingly position the PS3 as the best all-round home entertainment unit on the market.
The original controller released with the PS3, the Sixaxis, did contain some motion-sensing ability, although it came at the expense of the popular 'rumble' functionality and was nothing like as free as the movement that the Wiimote offered. The Corporation later released a DualShock pad for the console.
Sony Computer Entertainment declined to comment on the matter at the time of publishing, although an announcement is expected in due course, with the possibility of an official unveiling at this year's E3 event. (Source GamesIndustry.biz)
Mii Too!!!
Apparently, Microsoft is rumored to be working on a firmware update to XBox Live that will include an Avatar system which is a sort of hybrid between Nintendo's Mii system for Wii, and Sony's Home for PS3. These avatars are expected to replace the current picture that represents a user on XBox Live today. If this rumor and the rumor about the new Newton controller are true, it could spell trouble for Nintendo and Sony. Read more details here.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Xbox 360 Motion Controller Code Named “Newton”
Loot-Ninja has created a new post on the rumored "Newton" (XBox Wiimote-like waggle controller aka XMote) here. Either this is one of the biggest hoaxes in gaming history, or we'll have waggle on the 360 really soon!!!
The Crucible: The Evil Within
Also uncovered during the great marketing leak of ought-eight was the above video for a game said to be The Crucible, which leads us to assume it's Sega's The Crucible: The Evil Within, a horror game rumored to be developed by Silicon Knights. Though not officially announced, the title has been in development as early as 2006. Though it's unclear which platforms the game is for, it was supposedly in development for next-gen platforms (think 360/PS3). If true, it sounds like Sega's got quite the E3 lineup: Obsidian's Alpha Protocol, Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines, of course the Platinum Games ... games, and now this. (Source JoyStiq)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Fable 2: New Screenshots
Oh, Fable 2, we want to play you so bad. Why can't you be available right now? Sigh, if only it were true. It's not though, so we'll have to settle for a handful of new screenshots (peep them in the gallery below) and an update on the game's development from Lionhead. First of all, the next Fable 2 video diary is finished and will be released on June 24. The update also hints that there will be more news this month, though the only hint we're given is that it will be good for "fans of stories" and that there will also be "MORE" news after that. We're looking forward to the first piece of news (we are fans of stories after all), but the cryptic nature of the second bit of news has our interest piqued. Perhaps they will finally, finally, totally officially confirm that online co-op will be in Fable 2. At the very least, maybe we'll learn just when we can give Peter Molyneux our money and procure our own copy of the game. (Source XBox360FanBoy)
Friday, June 13, 2008
Bioshock gets a release date for PS3
According to a PSU source, Bioshock will be releasing for the PlayStation 3 November 4th, 2008.
Announced in late May, 2K Games finally confirmed the rumors that not only would the game be coming to the PS3, but will include "new content" and "new features."
"Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PlayStation 3 when it debuts this fall," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K.
"Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms."
With E3 around the corner, expect to hear more soon. However, for those of you looking forward to picking the title up, you can now look forward to a November release date. Stay tuned to PSU.com for an official statement from 2k Games. (Source PSU)
Ikki Tousen - Sex sells games in Japan!!!
They say sex sells. Well, Marvelous is going to put that to the test in this upcoming PSP fighter, Ikki Tousen, where the female fighters will have their clothes explode when they're hit. We don't think we'd be too comfortable playing a game like this on a crowded subway ...
The slightly NSFW video is placed after the break. With such a fear of sex in the States, it's unlikely this game will ever successfully cross the pond. (Source PSPFanBoy)
The slightly NSFW video is placed after the break. With such a fear of sex in the States, it's unlikely this game will ever successfully cross the pond. (Source PSPFanBoy)
May 2008 Console and Game Software Sales
The NPD numbers are in for May, and based on these numbers, it seems the Wii and XBox 360 have peaked, yet the PS2 and PS3 are looking very strong. Could 2008 be the year that Sony turns it all around?
Console Sales
Top 10 Games Software
Console Sales
| Console | Sales | Change (-/+) | Change % |
| Wii | 675.1K | -39.1K |  5.5 |
| DS | 452.6K | +37.8K |  9.1 |
| PS2 | 132.7K | +8.3K | 6.7 |
| PS3 | 208.7K | +21.6K | 11.5 |
| PSP | 182.3K | -10.4K | 5.4 |
| X360 | 186.6K | -1.4K | 0.7 |
Top 10 Games Software
- GTA IV – Xbox 360 – 871.3K
- Mario Kart Wii – Wii – 787.4K
- Wii Fit (w/ Balance Board) – Wii – 687.7K
- GTA IV – PS3 – 442.9K
- Wii Play w/ remote – Wii – 294.6K
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl – Wii – 171.1K
- Iron Man – PS2 – 130.6K
- Guitar Hero III – Wii – 116.8K
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness – DS – 107K
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time – DS – 102K
Thursday, June 12, 2008
If EA Launched A Console
While browsing the Internet, I stumbled across an article entitled 'If EA Launched A Console'.It is definitely worth a read as I had no idea that Electronic Arts (EA) controlled so many high profile gaming franchises (See the list below)!!!
Read the full article here.
Here are the exclusives Electronic Arts would have if they launched a console tomorrow!!!
Army of Two
Battlefield
Black & White
Boom Blox
Burnout
Command & Conquer
Crysis
FIFA
FIFA Street
The Godfather
Harry Potter
James Bond 007
Left 4 Dead
Madden
Marble Madness
Mass Effect
Medal of Honor
Mercenaries
NASCAR
NBA Live
NBA Street
NCAA Football
NCAA March Madness
Need for Speed
NFL Head Coach
NHL Franchise
ROCK BAND
Shaq-Fu
Sid Meier's Franchises
The Simpsons
The Sims
The Sims
The Sims
SimCity
Skate
SPORE
SSX
Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Ultima
Wing Commander
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli looks HAWT!
Activision to Publish Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for Wii and Nintendo DSSANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 4, 2008 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that it has signed a distribution deal with System 3 which will see the world’s largest third-party publisher release the forthcoming Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli throughout North America. Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli will hit shelves late summer 2008 for PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, Wii™, and Nintendo DS™.
“Without a doubt, this is the defining Ferrari experience for video games,” said Mark Cale, CEO at System 3. “It has been a collaboration with professionals on every level and we’ve truly captured the power, beauty, and excitement that is the Ferrari Challenge Series. This excitement is taken to a whole new level with the partnership of Activision’s power within the North American marketplace.”
“For the last sixty years Ferrari has been synonymous with precision, performance and elegant design, so expectations for the game will be high from auto enthusiasts and racing game fans alike,” said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Everyone involved in Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli has been dedicated to ensuring this product over-delivers on the experience of this legendary brand.”
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a visual powerhouse with a racing style that is fast and accessible, yet the feel is more “sim” than arcade. It includes over 15 international racing circuits along with multiple gameplay modes such as Ferrari Challenge Seasons, Time Trial, Quick Race, and Endurance. Racing can be taken online with up to 16 players in a variety of challenges including circuits, hill climbs, and more.
Downloadable content will be continually released for the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli community, and the official team and car rosters can be updated at the start of each season to reflect real-world lineups. Moreover, downloadable cars, tracks and customization options will be made available on a monthly basis to keep ravenous Ferrari fans satisfied.
System 3 and Activision will showcase Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli on PLAYSTATION®3 to the public for the first time at the Montreal Grand Prix from June 6th - 8th, 2008. There will be playable kiosks open to the all attendees in the Fan Zone.
For more information visit www.fc.system3.com (Source Infendo)
The Conduit has been officially announced
High Voltage software has earned my respect. This little company comes out of no where and puts forth a development effort that goes beyond the current quality of third party titles which is something far too rare these days. Today the developer rolls out an official statement of their highly anticipated Wii FPS, The Conduit. For a game still in the alpha stage…it looks sweet! Hit the jump for the press release. (Source Infendo)See the gameplay trailer here
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Screenshots
Here's a batch of new screenshots from Activision's latest Spider-Man game...
...subtitled "Web of Shadows", this game sees Spidey attacked by multiple foes straight from the comics from Doctor Octopus to The Vulture. As you can see from the screenies you'll spend a fair amount of time doing what Spidey does best, swinging from webs, engaging in fisticuffs and trying on various clingy little numbers including Spider-Man's alternative black costume.
Looks good so far. (Source Totally360)
Click screenshots to enlarge
...subtitled "Web of Shadows", this game sees Spidey attacked by multiple foes straight from the comics from Doctor Octopus to The Vulture. As you can see from the screenies you'll spend a fair amount of time doing what Spidey does best, swinging from webs, engaging in fisticuffs and trying on various clingy little numbers including Spider-Man's alternative black costume.
Looks good so far. (Source Totally360)
Click screenshots to enlarge
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