Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Batman Comic Book Writer argues about Batman: Arkham Assylum



Landry Walker, the writer of comic book Batman has an opinion himself about the hugely successful game. In his own words:
There was practically zero sneaking. Almost no subtlety or grace. He would just run up and punch the bad guy, usually taking a few machine gun shots to the face, and then zip away to a magical gargoyle that would render him invisible while his Bat-health recharged. Then he would repeat the process until there was nothing left to punch.
It was effective, I will grant that much. But to me, it kinda missed the point of Batman.
And he added that the violence is not enough to be a realism of true Batman:
I want a game that recreates that insane rush of endorphins and adrenaline or whatever it is after hearing a simple bullet crack past your ear. That's what games should be. So real that I just have to put down the controller for a minute because some part of my lizard brain is shaking in disbelief over the scenario I somehow managed to survive.
True, being the writer of Batman comic book made him the person who knows better about Batman than everyone else. But is it applicable in game? Let's see reader's response:


@Kotaku

the7k
This would be like someone playing Metal Gear Solid 3 on Very Easy, and then complaining that it didn't encourage stealth enough because you could easily survive gunfire and take everyone out by just slamming them into the ground.
It's European Extreme or nothing, Mr. Walker.

Darkmirage
If you play on hard, you can't use the gargoyles because they explode. All you do is sneak.

Beside that point though, it's a videogame. It needs to be accessible to people with numerous skill levels. That will, of course, create situations which don't quite suit the character. And besides that, it's not a comic. Batman isn't constrainted to what we see on paper panels. YOU are playing Batman. So unless you're actually Bruce Wayne, I wouldn't expect the game to replicate him. The gameplay choices are yours to make, not Batman's. If you want to run into a room full of armed thugs, you can do just that.

I understand his complaints, but their frankly not valid in the world of videogames.


Sure, being a Batman is suppose to be stealthy, plant fear in the enemy minds and eat them like breakfast, but I prefer the way it is on Batman: Arkham Assylum. Sure, you can play as Batman with sneaking and stealth stuff, and I played it that way, but the game shouldn't punish people who play it differently aka gung ho mode, rush and beat the crap of everyone else. It's the freedom of choosing the style of play that is interesting and even the writer of comic shouldn't take that away.
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Monday, December 28, 2009

Five Best things of 2009 and the worst

So 2009 almost ended, when looking back, what are the good things happened in 2009. Here is my version:

5. Project Natal
Although Project Natal won't be coming until at least 2010, this thing is very promising. Project Natal won't required any controller and can detect human faces, motion with its camera. For example, it can detect whether you are laughing or frowning and Microsoft said it can capture players movement during the game. So you can actually play tennis with just your motion. However, it remained to be seen whether this technology can be integrated successfully into games.

4.Uncharted 2: Among thieves
It's the VGA game of the year. Naughty Dogs really deserved it. I was amazed when playing through the train level where you fight on the moving train. It feels so naturals and Indian Jones like. The graphic is breath taking, and also character development is well planned. People will love Nathan because of its comment, jokes and various aspect. The story pacing is perfect, and combat is refined.The multiplayer is exciting. It is not as complete as COD series, but nevertheless it is satisfying. The only thing Naughty Dogs has to improve is network infrastructure, sometimes during a laggy game, your character can freeze 2 secs before get killed. And that is really blow the game. Coop wise, I truly enjoyed it very much. Two thumbs up.

3. Price cuts
Yeah! Don't we love price cuts? PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii slashed price in September resulting in increase of console sales. If it is good for the pocket, it is good for customer. 

2. The return of E3
E3 2009 is marked as a revival of the biggest gaming show event. Previously E3 was downsized and the show has become invite only, thus reducing significantly the number of attendees. The intention was to make E3 more "private". The result? Not only it became from the biggest game show to the lamest, but also triggered cancelled subscription from some big game companies.
Luckily they realised their mistake soon enough and E3 2009 is back with major gaming news and the exhibition reached 41.000 attendees (up 820% from previous E3 attendance).

1. Modern Warfare 2
Six millions copies sold during its first two weeks of launching window is no joke. While other games can be considered successful if selling above one millions, MW2 is six times more successful.
No doubt millions of player are waiting for this one, the true sequel of COD 4. Multiplayer is enchanced, and I love IW net. They just make it better, and the games connection is improved. Although story wise, I think IW is pushing it a bit, they just repeating what is successful in COD 4 and that make it seems repetitive. Otherwise it deserved the number one spot.

In addition of the best (though I won't do a countdown), this year worst thing happened in 2009 is:

PSPgo
The introduction of PSPgo does raised a few eyebrows. Its download only device, means that existing UMD library will not be compatible with PSPgo and Sony has no solution in transferring UMD into PSPgo.
If it has less feature, then it should be less expensive, right? Not. It cost more than standard PSP and priced at $250.
How about games? PS network is lagging behind in providing a complete library to PSPgo for download and the addition of games is slow. Sometimes new title is coming out for UMD but not for PSN.
And its sales is relatively low, PSPgo just doesn't sell as it is not appealing to gamers.

Read more...

Some details for Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition's second scenario

Here are some news/ details regarding Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition's second scenario.

  • Jill Valentine and BSAA Africa's member Josh Stone will be playable in the scenario
  • Jill woke up from a coma in the Tricell facility, Josh Stone came for rescue and meets her
  • Both Lost in Nightmares and Desperate Escape have about 1 - 2 hours game length
  • Capcom only has these two new scenarios planned so far
  • There will be gameplay elements that allows user to play the scenario over and over
  • The Mercenaries Reunion Mode will have 8 new playable characters
  • Confirmed characters include Office Lady Sheva, Warrior Chris, Folklore Sheva, Exoskeleton Chris and Josh Stone
  • Desperate Escape DLC will be available in March
 Hmm only 1-2 hours game length for both episodes. That's not much I guess as I was expecting longer gameplay for this DLC. Let's just wait and see how much Capcom will price this DLC and see if it is worth it. 
Read more...

Friday, December 25, 2009

PS3's console base gets boosted up after Final Fantasy XIII effect

The numbers are in. What is  Japan's console sales, especially after launching of Final Fantasy XIII? Let's take a look of the numbers according to Media Create:
  • PlayStation 3 - 237,086
  • Wii - 191,915
  • Nintendo DSi - 95,227
  • PSP - 79,194
  • Nintendo DSi LL - 75,241
  • Nintendo DS Lite - 12,879
  • Xbox 360 - 8,965
  • PSPgo - 3,260
  • PlayStation 2 - 2,982
Not surprising to see PS3 on top this month. This is definitely due to Final Fantasy XIII's effect. It was reported that FFXIII has sold  over 1.5 millions unit and that's a lot for Japan market only. Please note that whoever wants to import FFXIII, it won't have English subtitle or English dub. So buyers beware.
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

MAG gone gold. Open beta starts Jan 4

MAG the exclusive PS3 tactical shooter will be coming on Jan 26 next year. The news just came in today and it was quite a delight given so little information provided lately.
Apparently MAG has gone gold, meaning that the game is set for production and the best of all, Zipper will provide open Beta starting Jan 4 until Jan 10. Open beta means that everyone in the world can jump into the game by downloading via PSN network starting tomorrow.
The steps should you want to test open beta is as follows:
1. Log on to the PlayStation Store (tomorrow) and download the MAG Beta file like you would any other freely-available PSN video or demo (298 MB) 2. Launch the MAG Beta program from your XMB to download a special patch that will restart MAG once the update has been received (another 38 MB)
3. After the reboot, the beta will reconnect and download the actual game data so that you can play (1.8 GB ? 2.3 GB depending on your region)

I will definitely take part in this open Beta before deciding whether to purchase the game in January. I really hope Zipper can pull it off. It's not the concept of the game that worries me. It more of execution, how lag the game will be? How is it compare to IW net's matchmaking? I admit IW did a great job in matchmaking system and it certainly has raised the bar to the industry.
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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Gran Turismo 5 demo impression



Gran Turismo 5 time trial demo is available on PSN. I had a chance to give it a try and see how is it. Basically Gran Turismo's motto always been "The real driving simulator", and you can see just when you start playing it. At first try, it was hard. I always steered outside the track at every corner and it was very frustrating. 
But then I noticed there was a blue line in the track. This blue line is suppose to be a guide on how you drive on this track, the blue line sometimes become red, and that is when you hit the brake. After a while you get an idea when to accelerate or when to brake. I could not thank more for this blue line.
Other thing worth mention is.. I don't know, but I can't seem to be able to change the view of my dashboard view into over the top car view like any other racing car game. Could it be that Polyphone prevent it to make it more realistic?
The acceleration itself has two type. If you press the X button half, there is no acceleration, and you maintain constant speed. However if you fully pressed the X button, you will gain acceleration. Acceleration plays an important part in the drive, especially in the corner where you don't want to fully accelerate cause you will be thrown out of the track.
The demo gives you two cars. One is modified, the other one is normal car. And I was impressed by how different these two cars when driving on the same track. You will feel immediately which one is the better car.
I was spinning the track for three laps or so. After each lap, you will notice that the tire is losing grip and corner becomes more difficult. After couple more laps, I always steered away from the track because of my tire.
Gran Turismo 5 is not for everyone. It will scare away casual gamers no doubt, but for veteran and fans, you should be rejoice, because GT 5 delivers its promise to be one hell of realistic driving simulator.
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Friday, December 18, 2009

How many units of Final Fantasy XIII sold in Japan for the first 24 hours?

The number is in for the first 24 hours unit sold of Final Fantasy XIII. we know that Square Enix shipped almost 2 million units for FFXIII launch. While other title have to be happy if they can sell over 100k units for the first week, not so with FFXIII. According to Square Enix, the number is "exceeding one million", and that is not include the Lightning Edition bundle.
Given install base of PS3 in Japan is approximately 4 millions units, almost 25% of the installed base are getting FFXIII copies. 
Pretty impressive, I never though the numbers will exceed one million in one day.

Source: Kotaku
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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII shipped and launched in Japan



After so many years in development, Final Fantasy XIII finally launch in Japan today. Square Enix anticipated the demand by shipping astonishing nearly 2 millions copies. Considering typically in Japan, 100.000 units sold for the first week is already a good performance, 2 millions copies is a very confident number.
And if you asking, it might be for those importers as well, the answer is no. The Japanese version will not have English dub nor English subtitle (retailer confirmed it for me, and she seems very confident in answering). So this version is definitely for Japan only market except for those abroad who are fluent in Japanese.
Importers! Sorry for your dissapointment. Let's wait for another three months. Hey that includes me!

 

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Next Modern Warfare 2 update will fix glitch and balancing issue

Infinity Ward have yet release another update. The next update will only to fix glitch and balance some of the issues. It is basically to eliminate infinite ammo and private match exploit, as well as prestige hack found in PS3 and PC's texture hack.
An guess what IW will nerf? Yes. The classic 1887 shotgun. Apparently IW feels the weapon is a bit overpower. While the rebalance might not reducing power, and it could be something else. Accuracy perhaps?
Anyway IW hasn't saying anything about this. Guess we just have to wait.
Read more...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Study: Games can have a good impact on you!

For those who feel bad with playing video games will do you no good, at least here are couple studies that give a positive impact on you. 
First of all, according to the study conducted by Dr. Silvia Bunge, a neuroscientist at UC Berkley, some video games help enhance kids' reasoning and processing skills.
Dr Bunge and his team did their research at Oklahoma elementary school where the kids has an average IQ of 90. They selected games that require a specific mental function, such as: Big Brain Academy, Picross.
The kids all have 75 minutes session every week for eight weeks. After that, the kids tested. And the result? The reasoning skill improves by 32% and gained a positive 13 point IQ. The average IQ raise for a year in school is 12 points. Well, games like hack and slash Dynasty Warrior could still give you no benefit to your IQ, but at least not all games are bad.



Other studies show that gaming can give affects for doing a task. 
Rolf Nelson, a Wheaton College psychology professor, done and release a result of a study that is associated with video games. People who play action games most probably, if given a task, get it done faster at the expense of accuracy. On the other hand, people who play strategy games most likely yield more accuracy in the job but longer time. 
Prof Nelson make use of Unreal Tournament games and Portal for puzzle solving strategy games. The subject asked to play the game for an hour between two tasks. "If they’re playing an action game and then switch to homework, they may try to blaze through their homework at the cost of making mistakes." Prof Nelson said. 


This is interesting, it could be more associated with adrenaline rush? Maybe after playing action game, your nerves and reflex is more tense than playing strategy puzzle so you just rush everything with a little of thinking? 
Who knows, anyway this could be an excuse for you to not doing your homework after playing Uncharted 2! 


Source: Qj.net

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Trailers/ teaser of some big games from VGA

Here are the trailers of some big games for you to enjoy, coming from Video Games Award show.

MEDAL OF HONOR due FALL 2010. Hope this can challenge Modern Warfare 2.


STAR WARS: THE FORCE UNLEASHED II. The apprentice returns!!


BATMAN: ARKHAM ASSYLUM 2. Can't get anymore excited with this sequel.


PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE FORGOTTEN SAND

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Monday, December 14, 2009

And the winner is.. VGA award sum up

VGA award just finished. A lot of news. And Uncharted 2 take the prize as game of the year award including several other trophy such as best graphics and best PS3 game. Congrats Naughty Dog.

Also in the show worth mention is Batman Arkham Assylum 2 announced. The sequel supposedly to take off right from the first one with Joker is gassing the whole Gotham (unconfirmed). This comes as a surprise, not because the sequel itself, cause the first one is such as success, it almost guarantee a sequel. Its rather because how soon it is announced. But then the development could take maybe a year or two. So fans, don't expect it to be arrive anytime soon.

Medal of Honor series reboot is given a trailer by EA. It set in modern day, and from the looks of it, the graphics looks good and the action as well. Could it be Modern Warfare challenger?  I certainly hope so.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 ia also announced and will be coming in 2010.

Here are the list of the awards:


Best Voice in a Video Game: Jack Black as Eddie Riggs in Brutal Legend
Best Cast: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Best Performance by a Human Male: Hugh Jackman in X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Best Performance by a Human Female: Megan Fox in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Best Indie Game Fueled by Dew: Flower
Best Downloadable Game: Shadow Complex
Best Downloadable Content: GTA4: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Best Graphics: Uncharted 2
Best Soundtrack: DJ Hero
Best Original Score: Halo 3: ODST
Best Game Based on a Movie or TV Show: South Park: Let's Go Tower Defense Play
Best Multiplayer Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Best Action/Adventure: Assassin's Creed 2
Best Driving Game: Forza Motorsport 3
Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter 4
Best Music Game: Beatles Rock Band
Best RPG: Dragon Age: Origins
Best Shooter: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Best Team Sports Game NHL 10
Best Individual Sports Game: UFC 2009 Undisputed
Studio of the Year: Rocksteady Studios for Batman: Arkham Asylum
Best PlayStation 3 Game: Uncharted 2
Best Wii Game: New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Best Xbox 360 Game: Left 4 Dead 2
Best Handheld Game: GTA: Chinatown Wars
Best PC Game: Dragon Age Origins
Most Anticipated Game: God of War 3
Game of the Year: Uncharted 2

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177287

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Friday, December 11, 2009

PS3 Firmware 3.15 is LIVE and update list

There is a new PS3 firmware LIVE. However it is somehow not mandatory, so you have to go to system update and let the PS3 check it. Here are the list of changes:

  • Bluetooth sync issues fixed
  • Trophy syncing issue resolved
  • PSP Minis now playable on the PS3 (starting December 17th all PSP minis will be playable on the PS3, for now you must go to your download list and re-download any previously purchased PSP minis for them to function on the PS3)
  • XBM Icon Added – Minis Save Data Icon
  • LAN Data Transfer Utility
    • Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.
    • On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]
    • Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data
    • After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB
    • If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation) to activate the system.

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII audio and video will be uncompressed on PS3, not so with Xbox 360



In Famitsu interview, Square Enix said that Final Fantasy XIII audio and video remain uncompressed for PS3 version thanks to larger Blu-ray capacity. Not so for Xbox 360, despite having multiple discs, the Xbox 360 version will be compressed.
However, Square confident that casual gamer will not even notice the difference between the two versions.
This quite a relief for PS3 owners. At first, when Final Fantasy XIII announced for Xbox 360, part of the deal is that Microsoft won't allow the game to be different from PS3, therefore some speculation said that the PS3 version will be dumbed down to match the Xbox 360 version. With this statement, it won't be the case after all. Wonder whether Microsoft will be furious with this statement as this will discredit the Xbox 360 FFXIII version.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

EA wants to monetize pirates market?

Yes, pirates have reducing profit for game makers. Game makers have also combat this problem all the time. EA has a thought, rather than combating pirates, they can try to lure in pirates to purchase some of the product. How? The answer is by post release DLCs.
John Riccitiello, the head of Electronic Arts said," They can steal the disc, but they can't steal the DLC." He also added," There's a sizable pirate market and a sizable second sale market and we want to try to generate revenue in that marketplace."
His statement may have a valid point. But one should think carefully before going into this dangerous water. First of all, by doing that, publisher has an incentive to hold back a certain portion of the game, and treat it as a post release DLC. That means the one who buys a legal copy does not have full experience.
Secondly, I don't know how they are going to do this. Modded Xbox360 will get banned from Xbox LIVE, means that those pirates couldn't have access to DLC even if they want to buy one.

The only logical reason that this can be successfully implemented is by providing a FREE DLCs for those who buy a legitimate copy of the game. Pirates gets an incentive for buying a legal copy, the ones who aren't pirates can still enjoy the benefit.
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Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks Metacritics review




The new DS Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks metacritics review:

1Up: A-
A surprisingly large, and surprisingly fun, portable adventure.

IGN: 9.7/10
Nintendo's sequel outdoes the previous pocket epic in what is one of the best games on DS.

Gamespot: 8.5/10
Spirit Tracks' exciting new mechanics and classic gameplay make it one Zelda adventure that has got a full head of steam.

Well, with Mario and Zelda, it can't go wrong. Innovative Nintendo has done it again.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Modern Warfare 2 Akimbo 1887 overpowered?


Being a Modern Warfare 2 fan. I see an interesting discussion regarding the 1887 shotgun. It seems like more and more players use it in conjunction with Akimbo perk. Meaning that you can carry the guns one in each hand and reload it ala terminator. The accuracy is high, the damage is punishing. So is it overpowered? Here are some of the discussion on Kotaku. 

Mr Bionic
Akimbo 1887 shotguns are more of a game killer than the javelin glitch. Can we get the word out to get THOSE fixed too!?
Oh, wait, idiots LIKE the akimbo 1887s being over-powered. When people use them, I back out of the game immediately. THEY ARE BROKEN PEOPLE, STOP USING THEM

Beardbeardly@Mr Bionic.
Sniper Rifles are broken, they let you shoot ALL THEY WAY ACROSS THE MAP. Stop using them. Noob Toobs are broken. THEY EXPLODE ON IMPACT! Stop using them. Thermal sights are broken. THEY ALLOW YOU TO SEE HEAT SIGNATURES IN THE WILD. Stop using them. You should bitch about a genuine glitch, not something that makes sense in the context of the weapon. If you tell me 1887's aren't that powerful, btw, you're a liar or you're not aware of the actual range of an 1887 shotgun.

MrtheMoppie@Beardbeardly.
You can't use the real range or power of the weapon when you're allowed to carry one in each hand to fire at the same time while reloading like the terminator.
There's nothing wrong with the 1887 being a great gun. There's only a problem with akimbo.
Though, the 1887 was never designed to use anything besides the old school black powder shells. Not sure where you're getting all those these days. If you're so concerned with reality, that is.

MrBionic@Beardbeardly.
It doesn't make any sense in the context of the weapon at all. Real 1887s might have more range than your typical shotgun, but they lose power EXPONENTIALLY after a very short distance. Not in the game. They are as powerful at range as they are close-up, and it's ridiculous. Not to mention the ludicrously fast reload speeds.
Trust me, I'm far from the only person that feels this way, and the only people that tend to stick up for them are the people that just want to run around with them, don't want to have to worry about actually having any skill, and care only for stats.
IW needs to patch these guns so that they lose power outside a certain range, become WAY more inaccurate at range, and reload at a more realistic level. They probably won't, of course. Every game has an unbalanced weapon, but it doesn't mean I, or many, many other people, have to like it.


Beardbeardly  @MrBionic
The guns only have a range of about 15 paces in game. Anything outside of this and they're about useless, even in hardcore. The only REAL problem people seem to be having with them is that when it comes to up close and personal confrontations, they have two options "Akimbo SOMETHING" and knifing. The reloading only has to do with using Slight of Hand and if you have a problem with the perks then thats between you and IW. Now, playing hardcore, all I use is akimbo g18's which fire faster and more accurately than any of the shotguns and most people with shotguns get shot LONG before they reach their target. Perhaps your problem is that you're stuck in a game type a la "domination" where shotguns are the weapon du jour and you need to re-assess how you're playing YOUR game

Witzbold@MrBionic
I agree the range is bullshit same with the accuracy considering the fact that its being fired one handed.
Even more so when put into comparison with the newer shotguns that have been modernized.
Shit from "John Wayne" days should not be wiping folks out left and right.
*All of this talk is put into simple and easy to understand terms rather than going into the long boring conversation in regards to realism and the workings of the real counterparts    

Flik Nightshade
@MrBionic
There is a difference between your examples and what he is complaining about. First off, the range on these guns are completely out of whack. I've personally been killed with these things at sniper distances before. Second, the kick on the gun shouldn't allow for dual wielding of them to begin with. Yes, I know we're bringing realism into a video game, but ffs, it's ridiculous.

So overpowered? I belive no game is perfect. I do believe if you carry 2 shotguns, the accuracy will drop as you will also flinch when firing the weapons due to huge recoil. In medium distance, assault rifle should not lose againts double shotgun. But alas, this is a game and it happens. What do you think?

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Monday, December 7, 2009

2010 games, confirmed and unconfirmed

Think you broke purchasing games in 2009? Well think again, 2010 has a pretty strong line up for you. Here are the list of the game that is scheduled for release by 2010:
God of War III
A guarantee hit game by Sony. 


MAG
256 players simultaneously multiplayer first person shooter!! Enough said.


Heavy Rain
Good games comes a good story, and story is the game is all about. 


Gran Turismo 5
Finally!!


White Knight Chronicles
Coop / semi mmorpg. Interesting game. 


Final Fantasy XIII
Well. It does take Square forever for this title, ya?


Star Ocean 4: International

Renosance of Fate
A fresh RPG with guns instead of swords by SEGA. 


Bayonetta
From the maker of Devil May Cry series. Fans will not be disappointed. 


Alien vs. Predator 3

Lost Planet 2
Capcom tries to fix what is wrong with the first series. Hope it will not disappoint. 


Dante’s Inferno
Journey through hell by EA. 


BioShock 2
Big daddy returns!!


Dead Rising 2

Mafia 2

Dead 2 Rights: Retribution

NIER
Big project from Square Enix. Xbox 360 and PS3 will have a different NIER games. 


Red Dead Redemption

Agarest: Generations of War

Max Payne 3

Dynasty Warriors: StrikeForce

Dead Space 2
EA just confirmed that the sequel will be coming on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 sometime in 2010.

Wait, if that is not enough, here is list of games that is still rumor or unconfirmed, but definitely in the works:

Bioshock 3
What? The second one hasn't even come out yet. 2K president Christoph Hartmann has quipped about a "follow up project after Bioshock 2". Well 3 comes after 2, right? right?

Killzone 3
is reportedly deep into development. This could took a while though.

Resistance 3
A project hinted from Insomniac's Full Moon Show podcast.

Call of duty 7
Treyach will try the setting of cold war era.

Tomb Raider
This will be a series of reboot. Multiplayer has been confirmed for this title though.

New Need for Speed

Battlefield 3

Medal of honor
is too will be a series reboot.   
 


Read more...

Infinity Wards patches Modern Warfare 2 to fix Javelin glitch and improve match making.



Some of you who encountered Javelin glitch in Modern Warfare 2, fear not, the patch is coming to fix this in 1.06 version. Apparently, the glitch lets you to become human bomb when died and kill all enemy with a quite significant radius around you. For those who want to exploit it before the patch, here is a video.

The current 1.05 version of Modern Warfare 2 is improving the match making system. And I'd say that I am impressed with this tiny patch does. My average latency is improving to 3 bars from previously always 1 bar. I do think other game should take a look and learn from Infinity Ward on how to make multiplayer matchmaking system.
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Friday, December 4, 2009

Rumor control: PSP minis will be playable on PS3. Logitect is developing UMD add on for PSP go.

So today rumors will be around Sony console.
Firstly, there is a rumor that PSP minis will be playable on PS3. 
Sony Europe did tell that there is a possibility that PSP minis will come to PS3. So even if Sony isn't saying anything regarding this matter right now, looks like it will become reality soon enough.

The other rumor is that Logitech is developing PSP go UMD add on, so that PSP go owners can enjoy UMD released games.
This comes no surprise since PSP go can no way play all PSP collection and Sony definitely will not making this add on. Why? Because by doing that is the same as Sony admitted that PSP go is a failure. So, Logitech is seeing the opportunity I bet Sony will be quiet about this.
If this is true nevertheless, it's kinda lose the point in buying PSP go, is it? No only it will become bulkier by putting the UMD add on, you can buy old PSP and ready to play UMD games. Not to mention cheaper price too.
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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Xbox Live avatar will get pets on Dec 3



Microsoft officially confirmed that Xbox Live avatar will get pets companion on Dec 3. The pets range from Large Dog, Pug Dog, Dog in Bag, Cat, Siamese Cat, Long-Haired Cat, Goldfish, Guinea Pig, Pony, Monkey, Bird, and Snake. Should you want one, it will set you back 240 MS point ($3).
It hasn't been clear how you would interact with the pets, but it would be definitely tied to some advertising related product.

Now let's see some readers comment:
feliscele@gamespot
Oh, lemme guess...you'll have to pay 10 MS points every time you want to feed your pet. And if you don't, it'll die! Lovely.

OomJislaaik@kotaku
I suppose a virtual pet for a virtual me was practically inevitable.
You have to hand it to Microsoft, they really know how to milk something.
I can't fault them for that though, if consumers are willing to pay for something like this, then who am I to argue against it. Needless to say, it's an interesting addition to the "avatar dashboard universe", but one I won't be spending money on

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Selectable ultras and DLC compability

Here are updates/ rumor on Super Street Fighter IV.
Firstly, Capcom confirmed that they going to add additional one Super move per person. Though Capcom hasn't confirmed, the ultras however is become selectable from beginning of the match ala Street Fighter 3. Based on the screens below you can compare that in the first screen, there is a numeral number 1 on the ultra meter.



Where as in screen 2 below, there is numerical number two on the Ultra meter..



Also new on the news, the customes DLC for Street Fighter IV will work on Super Street Fighter IV. Capcom will release new customes for you to buy also. Unsurprisingly.

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Assassin's Creed 2 DLC coming in early next year



After having a success in first week of its launching by selling 1.6 million copies, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed 2 is planning DLCs and is coming in early next year.
There are two DLCs, the first one is called Battle of Forli, coming in January. The second one is called Bonfire of Vanities, is coming in February.
Though the details and pricing hasn't been announced by Ubisoft, they did say that each of the content require at least a whopping 1 GB of your hard disk space. Judging from the size, seems that the DLCs does pack a punch. For your info, it's twice the size of Call of Duty map pack, half the size of Gran Theft Auto 4 DLC. Will update if there is a new info.
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Monday, November 30, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII eau de toillette.. franchise milking continues..



Before it was potion/ energy/ elixir drink, or whatever you want to call it, now this.
Final Fantasy XIII themed eau de toillete suppose to be available a month after the game North America launch date.
The 50 ml bottle of Lightning (the main character's name) smell citrus, yellow peach, Lily of the valley and some other stuffs.
I might understand the elixir thing because it make a bit of marketing sense. However a FF XIII perfume?
Square really doing everything to milk the franchise. I don't know how many Final Fantasy versions out there until now (Crystal Chronicle, FF versus, tactics, etc) and back then I used to get goosebumps if Squaresoft delivers a product especially Final Fantasy brand. No mistake it will be ground breaking and revolutionary.


But nowadays, Final Fantasy brand lack biting. Some of the title is even not worth playing and I seldom interested in Final Fantasy product anymore.

I do believe Square Enix need other strong franchise to support the company and they cannot depend to Final Fantasy brand all the time. 


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Xbox Live app coming to iphone



A new app called 360 Live is available in Apple Store. Like the name, the app lets you to manage your Xbox Live account from your iphone. Things that you can do are:
  • Sign in securely using your Xbox Live credentials. 360 Live automatically retrieves your friends.
  • Complete Gamertags management. Add, remove, accept or reject pending requests.
  • An organized Friends List. Grouped by status (Online, Offline, etc.)
  • Gamer Profile and details including gamerscore, bio, location, country, gamercard, avatar, etc.
  • Check your friends' complete games history.
  • Compare locked and unlocked achievements per game and gamertag.
  • Send and receive messages. You can even send messages to multiple recipients!
  • Gamercard coverflow style carousel on landscape mode!

Currently the app itself cost around $1.99, but Microsoft said back then that Xbox Live related application must be released on free of charge basis. So we might expect the price should be free soon.
Nevertheless, it is a good move for integrating Xbox Live into your social life. I expect PSN will also follow one day.

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Latest Media create hardware chart Nov 16- 22

Looks like DSiLL had a successful launch in Japan than PSPgo. Playstation 3 again, beat Wii sales by a landslide. Is it a sign that Wii has lost its momentum? Let's see next month Wii sales with Super Mario Bros Wii impact.

  1. DSiLL - 100,553
  2. PlayStation 3 - 34,752 [1,237,501]
  3. Wii - 32,844 [1,266,197]
  4. PSP - 32,752 [1,812,720]
  5. DSi - 32,070 [2,649,075]
  6. PSP Go - 4,574 [54,102]
  7. DS Lite - 5,051 [469,978]
  8. Xbox 360 - 4,085 [338,258]
  9. PlayStation 2 - 2,024 [193,099]

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

LittleBigPlanet online create is coming

Next week will be LittleBigPlanet update titled Leerdammer. This time Media Molecule will give you online create. Online Create is a mode where you can create a level online with couple other friends.
I can imagine that it will be messy and hectic, but nevertheless it is a fun update. And that is the most important, right?
Along with updates is improvement in matchmaking process. It gives you bigger probability that you will be paired with person who has good connection. Also auto reject invitation and more profile space. It's really good to see on how Media Molecule is still supporting its game after a while.
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Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sony limits PSN content use on PS3



Most of you may already read that Sony will change its terms of service to limit the use of purchased PSN content on PS3.
Here is the list of what change according to Qj.net:
  • After purchases, the content may be used in 3 activated PS3
  • Network content, can only be accessed by one activated PS3 a day, and through the account that the content purchased from. Network content cannot be used on two different PS3 within a 24 hour period.
  • Local content once installed on your PS3 by the account that purchased it, can be accessed with other account on the same PS3.
While this will definitely means that we can no longer share the PSN network, turns out there is additional explanation. 
According to updated info from PS3blog.net,
  • The activation from five to three is a typo error. It is still 5, not 3. But one content can only be downloaded per day using the same account.
  • Network content while it is true as above, turns out it is more to movie rentals since it is only available on limited amount of time.
  • In game content or purchased movie content, this should be considered a local content, which can still be shared though 5 activated PS3.
I guess there is nothing to worry about.Will update if there is more info.

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Free new Uncharted 2 Multiplayer map coming this week

Naughty Dogs has a present for this coming Thanksgiving holiday. The new map titled "The Fort" will be available to download this weekend and is based on the game's first series. And the most important of all, it will be free! You can play the map in all competitive modes and co-op mode.
To add to that, this week will also grant you double cash should you jump into Uncharted 2 multiplayer.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

PSN update tuesday 24/11 feature Tekken 6 and LBP PSP




This week sale and big PSP games like Tekken 6 and LittleBigPlanet PSP is on the way.

PS3 Game Sale until 12/2

  • Flower ($4.99)
  • The Last Guy ($4.99)
  • Prince of Persia Classic ($4.99)
  • Comet Crash ($4.99)
  • Bomberman Ultra ($4.99)
  • Smash Cars ($7.49)
  • Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao ($7.49)
  • Killzone 2 DLC Sale (Flash and Thunder now $2.99, bundle now $9.99)
  • Fate/Unlimited Codes sale
Downloadable Games
  • Gravity Crash ($9.99)
  • Diner Dash ($9.99)
  • Madden NFL Arcade ($14.99)
  • Command & Conquer (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Dino Crisis (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Reel Fishing (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Fighting Force (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Backstreet Billiards (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • International Track & Field (PSone Classic) ($5.99)

Demos
  • Gravity Crash Demo
  • Comet Crash Demo
Add-on Content

  • LittlerBigPlanet Rare 'SuperStar' Shirt ($4.99)
  • Borderlands Zombie Island DLC ($9.99)
  • Dragon Ball Warriors on Earth Pack (free)
  • DJ Hero

    • "When Love Takes Over" -- David Guetta ($1.99)
    • "On The Dancefloor" -- David Guetta ($1.99)
    • "Sexy Chick" -- David Guetta ($1.99)
    • David Guetta Pack ($7.99)


  • Guitar Hero 5

    • "Lemon Frosting" -- Bunny Knutson (Free)
    • "RockNRola" -- Nancy Fullforce (Free)
    • "From the Blue/Point of No Return/TTRTS" -- An Endless Sporadic (Free)
    • "Love Holds It Down" -- Dom Liberati (Free)
    • "You Really Like Me" -- Davidicus (Free)
    • "Guilty Pleasures" -- Tony Solis (Free)
    • Neversoft Thanks The Fans Track Pack (Free)


Videos
  • Assassin's Creed 2 Dev Diary 5
  • Assassin's Creed 2 Factions Video
  • Final Fantasy XIII Special Announcement Video
  • MX vs. ATV: Announce Trailer
  • MX vs. ATV: Relex Freestyle Trailer
  • MX vs. ATV: Relex Variety Trailer
  • Resident Evil 5 Lost in Nightmares Trailer
  • Planet 51 Chuck Trailer
  • Planet 51 Gamescom Trailer
  • Planet 51 The Game: Lem Trailer
  • Dragon Age: Origins Dwarf Noble Origin Trailer
  • Avatar Ignite War Trailer
  • Polar Panic Story Trailer
Themes and Wallpapers
  • Afrika Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
  • Assassin's Creed II Launch Theme ($1.49)
  • Cavalier Warrior Theme ($1.49)
  • King Zumo Theme ($1.49)
  • Yuefeng: Fire Prince Theme ($1.49)
  • topatoi: Wallpaper 3


PSP Content
PSP Mini
  • Fortrix ($4.99)
  • Pinball Fantasies ($6.99)
  • Blast Off ($2.99)
  • Bloons ($3.99)
  • Kahoots ($4.49)
  • Let's Golf ($6.99)
Downloadable Games

  • LittleBigPlanet PSP ($39.99)
  • Tekken 6 PSP ($39.99)
  • Command & Conquer (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Dino Crisis (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Reel Fishing (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Fighting Force (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • Backstreet Billiards (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • International Track & Field (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
Game Demos

  • PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Demo
  • LittleBigPlanet PSP Demo
  • Promethus Demo
Add-on Game Content
  • Disgaea 2 DLC (x7) - Hanako, Pram, Marona, Ash, Plenair, Sapphire and Almaz ($1.99)
Rock Band Unplugged
  • No update.
Game Videos

  • Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer
PSP Themes

  • Cavalier Warrior PSP Theme ($1.49)
  • King Zumo PSP Theme ($1.49)
  • Yuefeng: Fire Prince PSP Theme ($1.49)
Source: Joystiq

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PS3 slim having trouble sync after patch 3.10 update

A lot of people reported that they have trouble sync their controller, bluetooth headset and other accesories after PS3 3.10 patch update.
However, it seems that the problem only secluded to PS slim owners.
Sony hasn't responded to this matter at the moment. For time being try one of this solution: soft reset your controller, turn your PS slim off and on again using power button and resync your controller again. Try plugging your controller to usb sometimes fix the problem also.
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Cody, Guy and Adon confirmed as additional characters in Super Street Fighter IV



Here are the new scans from Famitsu magazine. Adon, Cody, and Guy are returning to Super Street Fighter IV. On the top right of Guy scan page shows that he is blocking a kunai. Could it be Ibuki's kunai from Street Fighter 3? Man, Capcom does love to tease fans..
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New Super Street Fighter 4 stage screenshot



Ok. So this is a new screenshot from Capcom Japan. It deliberately cut off the other half of the screen to not show what character does Chun li get focused attack from.
So based on the background, we see a building that looks like Chrysler building and a statue. The statue resembles Mike Haggar from Final Fight series, the Mayor of Metro City. So it is definitely will be an American type character.
Now some says this could be Rolento, because in the past Rolento has the empire state building in the background.And given the large slash of focus attack, it is highly probably cause Rolento uses a stick weapon.
How about Haggar himself? I think it is unlikely, cause Haggar is never been in the Street Fighter series for a reason. His moves is just more or less the same with Zangief. Having Haggar seems to be redundant, unless of course Capcom reconstruct Haggar completely.

Cody and Guy are the other highest probability. Guy especially has been in all alpha series and quite a popular character. But my biggest bet is that this could be Rolento.

Image source: iplaywinner.com

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Andrea Bonaccorso is the next America's Bayonetta Model



Sega and Maxim selected a winner for the competition in search of model from upcoming Bayonetta games. And the winner is Andrea Bonaccorso. She not only walks with an Xbox 360, a copy of the game and a 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50X1 HDTV Plasma TV, but also will be featuring in Maxim magazine.
I'd say she is a worthy winner indeed.

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Banned Xbox 360 modders plan class action lawsuit

Microsoft just banned Xbox 360 modders. It was reportedly around 1 million users, but was denied by Microsoft.
And now they filing a class action lawsuit. Apparently the argument is that Microsoft deliberately timed the ban around Halo ODST and Modern Warfare 2 launch date, because that's the period when users (including modders) most likely to subscribe to Xbox live. And by banning, the fee is not refundable.
And what did Microsoft said?
By modding the Xbox 360 console, they breach the terms of use, and Microsoft is within its legal rights to ban those modders.
Sometimes it just amazing how lawyers are trying to make money. They can even convince people to throw a lawsuit even they are in wrong position.
So modders lesson 101.. Stay away from Xbox Live.
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Sunday, November 22, 2009

PSP comic reader is region locked

For those of you who just updated your PSP to firmware 6.2, and expect to start enjoying the free comic, you may want to hold your horses.
The update suppose to give an icon called "extra" somewhere in you XMB. You can then go to Playstation Comic website to get the code and redeem it via your account management in PSP.
However, it seems that the "extra" icon is region locked. I bought my PSPgo in Singapore, when I upgraded to 6.2, I can't find any comic reader in XMB. I checked around forums for detail. It seems that the "extra" icon is only available if your PSP is an US PSP.
Some people tried to redeem the code with a Japanese PSP, only said that the reader will be launched on 10th December.
So non US PSP users need to wait a little bit longer. Anyway, the comic store is not available yet anyway.
Read more...

Friday, November 20, 2009

PS store update 20 Nov 09

Here is the update for this week PS store.

Apps
adhocParty (free)
Games & Demos for PlayStation 3
Peggle ($9.99)
PSone Classics - Resident Evil 2 ($5.99)
PSone Classics - Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver ($5.99)
Smash Cars demo
Games & Demos for PSP
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines ($39.99)
PSP minis - D-CUBE Planet ($3.99)
PSP minis - Echoes ($2.99)
PSP minis - Circles ($3.99)
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe demo
LittleBigPlanet demo
Promethus demo

Expansions & Add-ons
Peggle Nights ($4.99)
PAIN: Flavor Flav character ($1.99)
High Velocity Bowling: Psychedelic 60's Ball Pack ($0.99)
High Velocity Bowling: Techno Modern Ball Pack ($0.99)
Way of the Samurai 3 Accessories (free)
Guitar Hero 5 tracks
  • "Lick It Up" by KISS ($1.99)
  • "Modern Day Delilah" by KISS ($1.99)
  • "I Was Made For Lovin' You" by KISS ($1.99)
  • "KISS Track Pack ($5.49) – "Modern Day Delilah", "Lick It Up ", "I Was Made For Lovin' You" by KISS
Rock Band tracks
  • "Beautiful Thieves" by AFI ($1.99)
  • "End Transmission" by AFI ($1.99)
  • "Love Like Winter" by AFI ($1.99)
  • "Medicate" by AFI ($1.99)
  • "The Leaving Song, Pt 2" by AFI ($1.99)
  • "AFI Pack 01 ($8.49) - "Beautiful Thieves," "End Transmission," "Love Like Winter," "Medicated" and "The Leaving Song, Pt 2″ by AFI
  • "Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles ($1.99)
The Beatles Rock Band tracks
  • "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "Within You Without You" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "When I'm Sixty-Four" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "She's Leaving Home" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "Lovely Rita" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "Fixing A Hole" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "A Day In The Life" by The Beatles ($1.99)
  • "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album) ($13.49) – "Fixing a Hole," "She's Leaving Home," "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!," "Within You Without You," "When I'm Sixty-Four," "Lovely Rita," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)," and "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles
Game Videos
Pulse 11/19 Edition
Pain: Flavor Flav Trailer
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 15 sec Accolade TV Spot
FIFA Soccer 10: Director's Cut Trailer
Madden NFL Arcade Trailer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Flag Runner Trailer
NBA 2K10 TV Commercial
Assassin's Creed II Arsenal Trailer
Assassin's Creed II TGS Trailer
Assassin's Creed II Dev Diary 3
Assassin's Creed II GP Trailer
Critter Crunch "Feeding Time" Trailer
Army Of Two: 40th Day Extraction Trailer
Peggle Trailer
Themes & Wallpapers
Peggle theme (free)
Celtic Maidens 2 Premium Plus Theme ($1.99)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 wallpapers
Topatoi wallpaper
Peggle wallpaper


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Sony Playstation big updates summary

For this past few days, Sony made a huge improvement in every aspect of their product. This week Sony has tons of announcement. Let's sum up.

1. 3D is coming to PS3 via firmware update.
Sony will bring 3D gaming and movie to PS3 via firmware update. You do need new tv for that and Sony will produce compatible 3D TV to accommodate that.  No ETA just yet.

2. PSP AdhocParty is available now.
It is basically to let you play PSP games online using PS3's internet connection as the bridge. You can download the program now at PS store network for free.

3. Digital Comics reader is coming to PSP.
With recent update of PSP firmware 6.2, PSP user will be able to read digital version of paper comics on their PSP. However, the service will only be activated next month.

4. Compability PS network to all Sony's hardware.
Sony will starting to integrate PS network to all the device, including handphones, laptop.

Sony indeed has a big plan for its PSP and PS3 as a entertainment console, not just gaming.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Blu-ray digital copy for PS3 and PSP implication

So Bluray disc can be copied to . Now the question is, is it possible for two persons share the cost of one bluray? By paying more, the other person get the physical copy while the other get the digital version. I don't see why this is not beneficial from all angles.
Firstly for Sony, they can sell more Blu-ray by doing this.
Wait.. isn't it by providing digital copy, Sony can only sell one Blu-ray instead of two?
True, but however, Blu-ray is not a necessity for a lot of people. Most people just happy to watch normal Dvd. I'm talking about opportunity gain. For example: there are people who love to buy a digital movie via sites like itunes. So, instead of paying full price on itunes, they can share instead and get the digital copy. And Sony can convert some of this market.
By sharing cost, customers can buy Bluray cheaper than usual. When it is cheaper, it usually means more quantity.
This however, just a theory. There might be some sort of copy protection to prevent this, I don't know. But even if it's not, it's not a loss for Sony and Blu-rays.

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How do you copy your Bluray movie to your PS3 or PSPgo

Sony promised that in the future there will be more Bluray movies that has capability to be copied to PS3 hard drives or PSP. So exactly how is it done?
Firstly you'll need a copy for the Bluray disc (fair enough..). Current available movies that have this feature are Godzilla, The Ugly Truth and Angels & Demons.
So you insert the disc into your PS3, you then see two icons on your XMB. One is to copy the standard version to your PS3 hard disk and watch it (I probably stick to watching the HD version using the disc). You need to log on to Playstation Network to activate the process by inputing the 12 digits code included in your copy. Once the activation process succeeded, 2 GB file transferred to your PS3.
The other option is to copy to your PSP, the process will take 5 minutes. And given the small screen of PSP, the video quality said to be fantastic. We hope Sony roll out more "desirable" titles in the future with this feature.

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LittleBigPlanet for PSPgo is a no go?



LittleBigPlanet PSP launched? Check. Is it available in UMD format? Check. Have a PSPgo? Check.
Play LittleBigPlanet on PSPgo? Not just yet, the game is not available on Playstation Network.
And what did Sony respond about this? 
Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications and Social Media for SCEA said, "The goal is to have the titles available on the same day, and that is usually the case. We're aware LBP isn't on the PlayStation Store just yet, and are working on solving that as we speak. We appreciate your patience".
Is it silly that you can get the UMD version roll out but you can't make it available on PS network? Yesss.
Well, it didn't happen to LittleBigPlanet also. Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 is nowhere to be found on PS store and it has launched since last week.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Assassin's Creed 2 metacritics review



Now it's time for another Ubisoft's AAA title Assassin's Creed 2. How does it perform?

1Up: A-
Assassin's Creed 2 is a much better game than its predecessor.

Gamespot: 9/10
Assassin's Creed II is what you'd want an action sequel to be: bigger, better, and more beautiful.


IGN: 9.2/10
A sequel that triumphs over the original in every possible way.


Looks like Ubisoft really did well on this franchise!
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New 3.10 PS3 software update includes Facebook

So Sony is playing catch up with recent Facebook, twitter, and Last FM update to Xbox 360. This "coming soon" update will include Facebook integration within the XMB. Players will have an option to share the trophies they got and what things that they bought from Playstation Network.
Further feature that not yet included in this update is the ability to share certain information through Facebook, such as stats, in-game accomplishment.
The update bring some tweaks to the XMB photo section and friend list. You will able to change the background color of the profile picture.
Now the question is, do we really need to read all others' accomplishment in Facebook? And do you want to tell the whole world what things that you bought from the PSN network? I just afraid it will not be an information overload.
Read more...

Monday, November 16, 2009

Activision wants to monitize further on Call of Duty brand responses



It's simple. Modern Warfare series is a hit, and Activision wants to explore "online monetization model" for the brand. In other words, they asking themselves how to make more money / milk from the franchise. Not a good news especially since it is only yesterday a news saying Bob Kotick made $20 millions in stock due to Modern Warfare 2.
And today I going to list out some hilarious readers' response regarding this news:

Big_Lozbowski@Joystiq:
Yeah this is crazy. The game is $60 I'm sure I'll be suckered into getting DLC maps AND they want to charge for a monthly subscription. Ummm NO!!!
Do think this is someething they can implement on existing COD games or would it be the next COD game?
If this is true then when is M.A.G out??

Markez@Joystiq:
Don't forget you'll need a disc unlock code that you need to buy in order to play that retail copy you just bought :P

Mr Mobius- The Wandering Artist@Joystiq:
You have to pay 10 Microsoft points for every 1000 bullets you want to use in Modern Warfare 3?

WINterfang@Joystiq:
I think Kotick may actually die from money poisoning.

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Onlive works on cellphone too?



Remember Onlive? The company that promised to stream full HD games through internet thus require no additional console investment? It was sounded too good to be true, only turns out the skeptic is even bigger now.
The company announced that Onlive is not just for home, but cell phones as well. "Today, at a Wedbush financial conference in New York I showed OnLive running simultaneously on two iPhones, a TV, and a computer," said CEO Steve Perlman.
Playing Modern Warfare 2 streaming on your iphone? How lag is that? Couldn't imagine. Might work, only with 2 Mbps connection network to your mobile, and that is unlikely to happen anytime soon here. But let's just wait and see whether Onlive can deliver its promise. 

Source: Joystiq

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

FIFA 10 tips for attacking and defending



I read PSM3 Dec edition magazine, and found tips for FIFA 10 that I think will benefit mostly to beginner player.

Attacking

1. Pass, pass  and pass.
Don't try to run the entire field with one player. It won't work. Use one-two's a lot.

2. Cross early and practice.
Use 'Early cross' a lot. Practice curling in crosses and redirecting your shot.

3. Shoot with stronger foot.
Long- range finesse shots using top players with overall ability of 80 or more are more powerful in FIFA 10.

4. Change the tempo often.
Change the tempo to keep your opponent guessing. Keep calm if you go a goal down. Momentum makes your players sharper and better organised.

5. Don't shoot if you can't score.
Possession is vital and taking shot with a weaker footed player from 30 yards out is madness. Keep working the ball around and look for openings.

6. Use your stamina wisely.
Players tire towards the end of games and you'll see more space on the pitch. Conserve your stamina. Subs with fresh legs can make the difference. Keeping possession will tire your opponent's team out as they chase to regain the ball.

Defending

1.Tackling
Only tackle when you are 90% sure you're going to get the ball, except when trying to stop a counter and making a 'professional foul'.

2. Tactics and strategies.
Your tactics should mirror your team's formation. It's not good playing offensive with five at the back and lots of defensive midfields.

3. Jockeying.
When one on one with your defender against a skillful player, don't try to tackle him. Stay in front of him while pressing L2+R2. You can use the secondary defender by pressing square.

4. Take your time.
If a quick forward is approaching you, don't always try to tackle straight away. Get control of a defender and run backwards and get into a better angle to defend against him.

5. Pressing
One of the best ways to win the ball.

6. Use the super cancel appropriately.
Sometimes, your defender gets locked in a run that puts him the wrong side of the attacker. However, it's possible to intercept the ball mid-pass. Knowing how to cancel (L2+R2) a player's locked run is essential. You can also use cancel to get in a better defensive position.

Source: PSM3 magazine, December edition.

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Saturday, November 14, 2009

Sony will enchance PSP online play via AdhocParty

North America customer will soon get AdhocParty to their PSP, enabling them to play adhoc mode multiplayer online. The PSP will connect to PS3 and using the console's internet connection to play online.
Why is it a big deal?
Many PSP games support multiplayer via local adhoc play. Means that you have to be in the same room with other person to play. However with AdhocParty, PSP will connect locally to PS3 instead then using PS3 to connect online with other persons from around the world.
Current confirmed games that will be supported by this mode is Gran Turismo and Capcom's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.
The mode will be coming by this month.

Read more...

PS store US update 14th Nov 09



This week's PS store update is a little bit slow. Well, doesn't seem to pack much of updates.

Games & Demos for PS3
Braid ($14.99)
Star Trek: D-A-C ($9.99)
PSone Classics - Command & Conquer: Red Alert ($5.99)
Inferno Pool demo
NCAA Basketball 10 demo
MX Vs. ATV Reflex demo
Star Trek: D-A-C demo
Games & Demos for PSP
Pinball Heroes – High Velocity Bowling ($3.99)
Pinball Heroes – Hot Shots Golf ($3.99)
Pinball Heroes – PAIN ($3.99)
Pinball Heroes – UNCHARTED ($3.99)
Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble ($39.99)
PSP Minis - Bubble Trubble ($4.99)
Expansions & Add-ons
PAIN Fat Princess Character (free)
PAIN Speed Oocher Mode ($1.99)
Rag Doll Kung Fu Mistress of Mime Character (free)
Rag Doll Kung Fu Shaolin Scarecrow Character (free)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Costume Pack ($3.99)
Guitar Hero 5 tracks
  • "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz ($1.99)
  • "Lady" by Lenny Kravitz ($1.99)
  • "Let Love Rule" by Lenny Kravitz ($1.99)
  • Lenny Kravitz Track Pack ($5.49) – "Let Love Rule", "Fly Away", "Lady" by Lenny Kravitz

Rock Band tracks
  • "Club Foot" by Kasabian ($1.99)
  • "Employee of the Month" by SpongeBob SquarePants ($0.99)
  • "A Day Like This" by SpongeBob SquarePants ($0.99)
  • "Ridin' the Hook" by SpongeBob SquarePants ($0.99)
  • SpongeBob SquarePants Pack 2 ($2.99) – "A Day Like This," "Employee of the Month," and "Ridin' the Hook" by SpongeBob SquarePants.
  • "Smash it Up (Part II)" by The Damned ($1.99)
  • "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" by White Stripes ($1.99)
  • "Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine" by White Stripes ($1.99)
  • "Icky Thump" by White Stripes ($1.99)
  • White Stripes Pack 1 ($5.49) – "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," "Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine," and "Icky Thump" by White Stripes.
Game Videos
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Launch Trailer
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Space Trailer
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Time Trailer
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Weapons Trailer
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Teaser Trailer
The Saboteur Just Getting Started Trailer
The Saboteur Pre-Order Trailer
Battlefield Bad Company 2 Limited Edition Trailer
Star Trek: D-A-C Trailer
Themes & Wallpapers
Ratchet & Clank Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Dita Von Teese Theme ($1.99)
Deep Space Theme ($1.49)
Junkyard Girl Theme ($1.99)
Road to China Theme ($1.49)
Tekken 6 Lars Wallpaper
Tekken 6 Lilli Wallpaper
Tekken 6 Nina Wallpaper
Tekken 6 Yoshimitsu Wallpaper
Tekken 6 Zafina Wallpaper

Source: Kotaku 

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Super Mario Bros wii Metacritics score



So, Super Mario Bros Wii is the only big game that dare to challenges Modern Warfare 2 on its launch week. How does it fare? Does it deliver what Nintendo has been promise?

1Up: A+
Twenty years after Mario 3, Nintendo still knows how to craft a world-class platformer.

Gamespot: 8.5/10
Classic gameplay, challenging levels, and some fun multiplayer make New Super Mario Bros. Wii another stellar outing for the plump plumber.

IGN: 8.9/10
The Classic formula returns to a Nintendo console. 

Seems like Nintendo successfully recreate what Super Mario Bros is known for. 
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Friday, November 13, 2009

Please give feedback to my blog website



Any feedback will greatly appreciated!
From time to time, I will ask feedbacks or comments on how to improve this blog.
Please feel free to comment on how or which articles should I add more or what do you enjoy most reading in this blog. Thanks in advance.
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NPD data for October 09, Wii back on top, Uncharted 2: Among thieves best selling games

- NPD reported that the US market has shrunk by 19% in October 2009 from $1.32 billion to $1.07 billion. The best selling console is Wii and best selling game is Sony's Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. UC2 reportedly has sold over 1 million mark until today.
  1. Wii - 506,900
  2. Nintendo DS - 457,600
  3. PlayStation 3 - 320,600
  4. Xbox 360 - 249,700
  5. PSP - 174,000
  6. PlayStation 2 - 117,800

- The top selling games in October 2009 are:
  1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3, Sony) - 537,000
  2. Wii Fit Plus (Wii, Nintendo) - 441,000
  3. Borderlands (360, Take Two) - 418,000
  4. Wii Sports Resort (Wii, Nintendo) - 314,000
  5. NBA 2K10 (360, Take Two) - 311,000
  6. Halo 3: ODST (360, Microsoft) - 271,000
  7. NBA 2K10 (PS3, Take Two) - 213,000
  8. Forza Motorsport 3 (360, Microsoft) - 175,000
  9. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (NDS, Square Enix) - 169,000
  10. FIFA Soccer 10 (360, EA) - 156,000

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Gamestop starts to sell DLC via in store

Gamestop, the biggest game retailer in US plans to start selling DLC in store next year. The mechanism will more or less the same with Dragon Age: Origins, the clerk will ask customers whether they want to buy DLC. When they do, it will be available when they got home.
We all know that Gamestop considered digital distribution a serious matter, and started investing in those area. And DLC is one of the first step.
Indeed this will not give you a value added whatsoever. If the price of DLC is the same between Gamestop stores and buying off from network, then what is the difference? You still have to download when you got home, and it is just a click away from buying from your console.
However, if the purpose is to gain presence in digital distribution, then Gamestop step is a step in a right direction.
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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Modern Warfare 2 riddled with bugs and server overload on PS3

After a day of release, highly anticipated Modern Warfare 2 already rolled out a patch believed to fix trophy bugs that won't allow trophy to be registered. However, it is still evidence especially in PS3 that bugs still exists. Friends sometimes can't be invited or join another party's session. More over the Modern Warfare 2 PS3 game server has been down since yesterday.
Robert Bowling, Infinity Wards community manager said that the server was overloaded, and they are trying to fix it as soon as possible. The server problem only affected PS3 players as PS3 server are being handled by third party Demonware, while Xbox Live are handled by Microsoft itself.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Modern Warfare 3 featuring the most realistic military game ever made!!



Read the title and watch the video!! nuff said!
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Modern Warfare 2 metacritics score


Modern Warfare 2 is here!! Time to see how it fare in metacritics!!

1Up.com: A
With real-world locations and bombastic set-pieces, Modern Warfare continues the thrill-ride experiences and multiplayer fun of its predecessor.

IGN: 9.5/10
It's set to be one of the biggest selling games of all time.

Game Informer: 9.5/10
Multiplayer reigns supreme in game of the year candidate.

Oh well... So, what are you waiting for? Grabs your copy now!!
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FIFA 10 and PES 2010, which is better?



It is not new that FIFA 10 is often compared to PES 2010. In fact, this is exactly what I'm going to do right now. To start with metacritics/ reviews for both games.

Gamespot: 
PES 2010 - 6.5/10
FIFA 10 - 9/10

PSM UK:
PES 2010 - 9/10
FIFA 10 - 9.5/10

IGN UK:
PES 2010 - 8.7/10
FIFA 10 - 9.3/10

Indeed it seems that FIFA 10 has a bit of advantage on this one, but every side has its own advantages/ disadvantages. I played FIFA 10 and PES 2010 demo, so my opinion might not be accurate.

The good thing about PES 2010 are, firstly the graphics. The graphics is given a major upgrade this time. Some player faces likeness are uncanny, and I'm impressed by the stadium lights and the grasses. When running, players seems to be more 'on the ground' than FIFA 10. For graphics, PES 2010 is a clear winner.

I love champions league tournament, this is the mode that FIFA 10 lacking. However FIFA 10 has a full license of Barclay Premier league. Being an Arsenal fans I love to play with proper emblem and kits. In PES 2010, the Arsenal team is called 'North London'. You can however change the emblem and kits via customization mode. You can actually download it via internet, but I'm just plain lazy and it is always nice to have it in the first place.

The downside of PES 2010 is that player movement feels a bit clunky. It is not as smooth as FIFA 10. Though both versions boast that it has 360 dribbling, however PES 2010 is more 16 directional dribble than 360.
The AI seems a bit off in PES 2010. I tried to pass through Torres when I had a chance, only he just standing there, where as in FIFA 10, when I found a space to trough pass, the attacker begin its run towards the goal. I don't know if PES 2010 is inferior to FIFA 10, but that what I felt when I tried both.

And I feel that tactics using slider in PES 2010 gives you a better customization than FIFA 10. For hardcore fans, PES 2010 system might be more favorable than FIFA 10.

So, which game should you buy? It will depends a lot on your preferences. Some might like FIFA 10, but some might enjoy PES 2010 more. And personally I think both are good games.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition will release as DLC



Contrary of what Capcom planned with Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition, the games will eventually release as a DLC instead of full boxed game.
Capcom recently make a pool, asking fans what is their preference with Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition. After listening to some 1500 voters, it was decided that the game will not carry its own box.
Capcom's Chris Kramer said:
Based on your feedback, in North American, European and Australia territories, Capcom will be making the new RE5 content for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 available as downloadable content. You will not be asked to purchase a new copy of the game just to get at the new stuff, just make sure to hold on to your RE5 disc and you'll be ready to roll in Spring 2010 when we make available new Resident Evil adventures (and some other things we haven't told you about yet) for you.
RE 5: AE will feature an episode including Jill and Chris when they tried to capture Wesker. Also the game should include the new Playstation motion controller but no confirmation whether it is possible since this is only a DLC.
Well, this is certainly a welcome news. Looks like our Resident Evil 5 game is still worth something. Luckily I didn't resell it just then.  

Source: 1Up

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