Sega of America has come out and admitted that the Virtua Fighter 5 release on the PS3 was rushed to market and needed more development time.
The VP of Sega of America Scott Steinberg stated that the PS3 version of Virtua Fighter 5 was rushed to market to get out within the launch window of the console.
That was the big reason as to why the Xbox 360 version has online play functioning while the PS3 version has no online play anywhere to be found.
Steinberg stated that Sega "wanted to go to market quickly with the PS3 SKU" in order to release it within the console’s launch window, so that console missed out on the online fun.
MCV's prediction that Sony may be soon unveiling support for terrestrial digital broadcast service Freeview for the PLAYSTATION 3 is looking spot on following comments from Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand boss Warwick Light. He told Kiwi outlet The Press that the company is "hoping next year... to release a digital tuner for the PS3, turning it into a programmable TV recorder." His timeframe? First quarter of 2008, alongside the New Zealand launch of Freeview.
Freeview is already available to fans of receiving television signals in the UK, broadcasting dozens of television and radio channels. It's possible that the PS3 TV tuner could simply be added via one of the console's four USB ports and that larger hard drive options may coincide with the product announcement.
But I'm just riffing here. I'm sure we'll know by Games Convention in August if this whole thing pans out.
Responding to comments from PGR4's developer indicating that the team had problems fitting the data on a single DVD, Sony says that its Blu-ray investment is justified.
"We took a lot of heat at launch for including Blu-ray in PS3. Now it looks like that investment is being justified," said SCEA spokesman Dave Karraker, speaking to GamesIndustry.biz.
"Next generation games simply need more space on the disc to contain all that high definition content. Take a look at Lair, for example, already pushing 25GB of content, and that is a first-generation title. At 50GB storage capacity, Blu-ray gives the PS3 plenty of headroom for developers to fully realize their visions well into the future."
Bizarre Creations, the developer of PGR4, recently announced on its forums that players would not see different times of day in each racing location, not because it was a problem for the development team, but because it was a problem to fit the texture data on a single DVD.
In order to work around the issue, Bizarre provides different lighting models for each city.
The days of downtime of the DCEmu Uk Network got a lot of people on IRC searching for news of if we were gone for good. Obviously DCEmu UK will never disapear but a good place to chat and idle is in our chatroom on IRC, sure the forums are the best place to ask questions and get help but the IRC Chan is a place where we have a laugh and most of the time a decent place to be.
Now and again if your lucky and have the hardware you may be asked to beta test releases before they hit the public domain which is always a great homour for any true homebrewer.
Rules for the chatroom are as you would expect on any site chatroom ie we dont discuss warez etc.
So if any of you fancy a chat sometime check out out IRC Chan via JAVA CHAT or on freenode (irc.freenode.net) #dcemuuk if you use a standalone IRC Client.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from nearly two dozen cities executed 32 federal search warrants in 16 states in the past 24 hours as part of a mammoth crackdown on chip modding.
Operation Tangled Web, the result of a year long investigation headed up by the ICE office in Cleveland, is the largest national enforcement action of its kind targeting the sales of modification chips and "disc copyright circumvention devices" in history.
Neither the Department of Justice nor the ESA would name the businesses, homes or storefronts involved in the sweep that took place in California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin today.
The modchips and circumvention devices allowed users to play pirated software on the PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Wii.
"Illicit devices like the ones targeted today are created with one purpose in mind, subverting copyright protections," said Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "These crimes cost legitimate businesses billions of dollars annually and facilitate multiple other layers of criminality, such as smuggling, software piracy and money laundering."
Newly minted ESA chief Michael D. Gallagher was quick to offer federal kudos:
"Plain and simple, selling and distributing products to illegally bypass game consoles' piracy protections is a crime with real-life consequences. This is not a game; we're talking jail time. Enforcement initiatives of this scope send a clear message to both the public and pirate community that this illegal activity will not be tolerated," said Michael D. Gallagher, president of ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "We commend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Justice, and the participating U.S. Attorneys' offices for targeting individuals and groups selling 'mod-chips' and pirated game software."
Now that the threat of terrorism and border safety concerns are a thing of the past we can finally get down to dealing with the real threats to America's borders... dodgy copies of Wii Sports.
We didn't know electronics had states of health, but apparently leave it to Dr. Diagnosis (and his sidekick, Bangs McCoy) over at Electronic Arts to give Sony a clean bill of health for next year. EA Games president Frank Gibeau sat down to a lengthy interview with Gamasutra only to dole out some information on a few pieces of PS3-related impressions and predictions.
First off, EA's reaction to the PS3's game-to-console tie ratio last year: "Frankly, there weren't any platform-defining titles on the PS3 that first Christmas. There was Resistance: Fall of Man, perhaps. I think as we get more titles, that tie ratio will improve." We think it will, too -- especially if they count the 2 games included in the European bundle as tie ratio games. Plus, for this Christmas, there will be a plethora of titles to choose from!
Gibeau commented on the future of the PS3 as well, saying "I think 2008 feels like when you start to see the titles that define that platform start to come out... [the tie ratio] has improved since release, which is good news. I think it really starts to get into the range where we feel like we're bullish and aggressive. It feels healthy in 2008." Again, we're going to agree. While some may argue a lot of good games are coming out this November, we think the big sellers will hit in 2008 and with those, a gigantic leap in console sales.
Innerbits.com, a blog run by "a few guys working in the games industry" who "want to address rumors, and a give a voice to game developers who would be otherwise afraid to speak up," claims that rumbling SIXAXIS controllers are now in the hands of a select few developers. The information on these prototype controllers is still kept very tight to Sony's chest. Apparently the details will be revealed over the next two or three months, with Leipzig the obvious venue of choice. We'll be there to let you know if that's the case.
Innerbits also reports that controllers bundled with consoles are quietly being swapped out with newer versions. Nothing too exciting, just improved motion sensing. We're reminded that hardware updates occur all the time without us being told. Remember the removal of the Emotion Engine?
Finally, we're told not to get too excited about the patent for PSP/Dual Analogue controller connectivity. Companies patent hundreds of things that never see the light of day. We're going to remain hopeful, but not hold our breath.
After the announcement that Dynasty Warriors 6 will feature both swimming and climbing (stop the presses!) we were hooked. In addition to those elements, the ability to create your own combo string into an almost infinite wave of attacks really gives us something to mull over whilst hacking through thousands of brain-dead Chinese warriors. Take a look at the gallery compiled below, courtesy of the [url="http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/smusou5/"]official Dynasty Warriors 6 website/URL], and let us know if you think this game will freshen up the mostly stale guilty pleasure Koei has milked for so very long.
A workmate of mine was searching Ebay last night and told me of a PSP Phone that is Tri Sliding and has a keyboard on one slide out area and joypad/buttons on another.
The phone isnt actually a PSP which is a shame but does come with this list of features:
Dual Band GSM 900/1800Mhz, Sim free, Unlocked for UK, Europe and Australia;
260K Color 2.8" True Color TFT
High Sensitive Touch Screen + Keypad
MP3 Player
MP4 Player: Play Stereo 3GP/MP4 Movies
SMS/MMS/GPRS Function included.
3.0 Mega Pixel Camera
PC Webcam
Video Recording (Camcorder) with Voice Record
USB Disk: The phone will be recognised as Removable Disk (Mass Storage) by the computer,You can paste and copy any files from your computer to the phone.
Bluetooth Support: For Bluetooth earphone.
PSP (Games player)
Photo Viewer
E-Book: TXT format supported, Download from Internet and Read Novel and Story anywhere anytime
Personal Assistant: Phone Book(300 contacts), Calculator, Alarm, Calendar, World Clock, Tasks, Currency Convertor, Sketch, Notes..
Snap, save and send: Communication between mobile devices is made easy with MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). You can a picture, text, voice and even video all at once. Capture those special moments and send them to your loved ones.
Support External t-flash card up to 1GB (512MB TF-Card included)
It plays Nes games via a built in hardware emulator, pretty cool, now if only the big gaming companies could make something packed with so many features.
Midway's CEO David Zucker has told GamesIndustry.biz that he's still concerned about sales of the PlayStation 3, but thinks the recently announced USD 100 price cut will certainly help the console in the short term.
However, worries over the uptake of the PS3 aren't enough to put Midway off supporting the luxury console, with Unreal Tournament 3 exclusive to the machine this year, and forthcoming action game Stranglehold set to feature a full-length movie on the Blu-ray game disc.
"We would not be the only publisher to tell you that we're a little concerned about the take-up of the PS3," said Zucker, in an interview published today.
"Anytime you get a hundred dollar price on hardware it will improve sales. The question is, is it enough? Will there be more?"
The Unreal Tournament 3 deal is just one way that Midway is backing the PS3, and it's confident it's a title that will make a big impact on the home console when released in November.
"When you go back to last year's E3, one of the first titles that were shown on Sony's PS3 was Unreal Tournament. So, it has always been a big title for the PS3," he said.
Heres this weeks list of newly released import games at Play Asia.
Xbox360™:
Dead Rising (Platinum Hits) US US$ 34.90
NASCAR 08 US US$ 59.90
Surf's Up ASIA US$ 44.90
PlayStation3™:
Hard Disk 160GB US$ 279.90
Logicool Cordless Precision Controller JPN US$ 39.90
NASCAR 08 US US$ 64.90
Nintendo Wii™:
Alien Syndrome US US$ 49.90
Escape from Bug Island US US$ 34.90
Forever Blue / Endless Ocean JPN US$ 59.90
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix JPN US$ 59.90
Mario Strikers Charged US US$ 49.90
Remy no Oishii Restaurant / Ratatouille JPN US$ 59.90
PlayStation2™:
Beat Down: Fists of Vengeance (Best Price) JPN US$ 20.90
Capcom vs SNK 2: Millionaire Fighting 2001 (PlayStation2 the Best Reprint) JPN US$ 19.90
J.League Winning Eleven 2007 Club Championship JPN US$ 64.90
NHRA: Countdown to the Championship US US$ 24.90
Remy no Oishii Restaurant / Ratatouille JPN US$ 59.90
Sengoku Musou 2 (PlayStation2 the Best) JPN US$ 39.90
Nintendo DS™:
Deal or No Deal US US$ 34.90
Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle US US$ 34.90
Kikansha Thomas: Kokugo Sansuu Eigo JPN US$ 48.90
Konchuu Wars JPN US$ 48.90
Otona no DS Kao Training JPN US$ 48.90
Pokemon Bag DP US$ 19.90
Pokemon Diamond EUR US$ 49.90
Pokemon Pearl EUR US$ 49.90
Pouch Hello Kitty (pink) US$ 18.90
Pouch Hello Kitty (white) US$ 18.90
Remy no Oishii Restaurant / Ratatouille JPN US$ 48.90
Slide Adventure: Mag Kid JPN US$ 58.90
The Settlers ASIA N/A
Toshokan DS: Meisaku & Suiri & Kaidan & Bungaku JPN US$ 39.90
Wi-Fi Taiou: Gensen Table Game DS JPN US$ 29.90
Zettai Onkan Master JPN US$ 48.90
Sony PSP™:
Alien Syndrome US US$ 39.90
Final Fantasy II US US$ 39.90
Goku Makai-Mura Kai JPN US$ 32.90
Goku Makai-Mura Kai ASIA US$ 29.90
Gundam Battle Royale (PSP the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Minna no Golf Jou Vol. 2 JPN US$ 58.90
Minna no Golf Jou Vol. 2 (w/ GPS Receiver) JPN US$ 95.00
SD Gundam G Generation Portable (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 39.90
Tekken Dark Resurrection (English language Version) (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Tekken Dark Resurrection (Japanese language Version) (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Books & Magazines:
Arcadia Magazine [September 2007] JPN US$ 12.90
Famitsu Wave DVD [September 2007] JPN US$ 16.50
Final Fantasy II Official Strategy Guide US US$ 16.90
Video Game related Soundtracks:
Bleach Beat Collection 3rd Session 03 Sousuke Aizen JPN US$ 9.90
Emil Chronicle Online Soundtrack Vol.2 JPN US$ 37.90
Lupin III TV Special Vol.19 Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 23.90
Makoto Kikuchi (The Idolm@ster Master Artist 04) JPN US$ 21.90
Miki Hoshii (The Idolm@ster Master Artist 03) JPN US$ 21.90
Naruto Shippuden The Movie Original Soundtrack JPN US$ 29.90
Launch of Grand Theft Auto IV Now Planned for Fiscal 2008
Take-Two Interactive Software today announced revised revenue and earnings guidance for fiscal 2007.
Take-Two is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance primarily to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the PS3 and the Xbox 360 from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, due to additional development time required to complete the title. The title is now planned for release in the Company's second quarter of fiscal 2008. Additionally, Take-Two is updating third quarter and fiscal year 2007 guidance to reflect the movement of Manhunt 2 for the PS2, PSP, and the Wii out of the third quarter and the fiscal year.
Things are not looking so good for Rockstar/Take-Two....
Verbatim® Corporation and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), announced today the world’s first Mini Blu-ray Recordable/Rewriteable (BD-R/RE) media. Measuring three inches (8cm) in diameter, the new 7.5GB discs provide approximately one hour of continuous video capture time on a single side when high definition (1920×1080i) is used, and approximately two hours* of video capture time with images recorded at 1440×1080i. MKM Mini BD media will be available in August in Japan, where the new Hitachi BD-compatible camcorder will be launched. Verbatim will begin shipments to other parts of the world, including North America, when the new BD-compatible camcorders become available locally.
Verbatim Mini BD media combine with a BD-compatible camcorder to provide consumers with convenience features that hard disk camcorders cannot offer. With the ability to record priceless memories directly to a Mini BD disc, users can eliminate the time-consuming process of downloading captured video to their computer hard drive. They can also enjoy unlimited capacity by simply removing the disc from the camcorder and adding a new one.
Like Verbatim’s standard (12 cm) BD media, the new Mini BD discs deliver the highest read/write performance and unsurpassed longevity. Advanced technologies developed by MKM guard against deterioration in picture and sound quality--even with repeated recording and playback. By combining MKM’s proprietary recording layers and hard coat with its precision stamper and precision molding technologies during the manufacturing process, Verbatim BD media customers can be confident they have the best media on the market for their special memories and that they’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
The proprietary hard-coat finish on Verbatim BD media has superior anti-static and anti-scratch properties for added protection against scratches, fingerprints and dust particles that can occur during normal camcorder and home use.
Verbatim’s new Mini BD media is produced to the highest quality standards at MKM’s optical disc manufacturing facility in Mizushima, Japan. The Mizushima factory is well known for its expertise in producing blue laser media.
Sales of Sony's PlayStation 3 have doubled in Japan, with data from Media Create showing that the console has shifted 28,829 units for the week ended July 29, compared to just over 12,000 for the previous week.
Sales of Nintendo's Wii and DS have dropped for the same period, although the consoles continue to record strong numbers with over 77,000 units and 35,000 units, respectively.
The PSP enjoyed a climb in sales also, shifting over 35,000 units compared to 32,00 the week before, and the PlayStation 2 managed almost 12,000 units.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 continue to perform poorly in the region, selling just under 4000 units for the same week period.
This week saw an influx of new software titles for the major formats in the region, with Wii, PS3 and DS games shaking up the top ten.
A total of seven new entries have burst into the Japanese software charts, with Nintendo's Mario Party 8 leading the charge.
The latest title for Nintendo's Wii sold almost 265,000 copies for the week ended July 29.
Sony's PlayStation 3 title Hot Shots Golf 5 is at number two with just over 152,000 units sold, while Namco Bandai's Taiko Drum Master DS sold over 93,000 copies.
Other new entries include Square Enix's It's a Wonderful Life at four, Namco Bandai's Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 at five and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for the PSP, distributed by Capcom, at six.
The last new entry in the top ten is Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, published in the region by Spike, at number seven.
Following the news of federal agents raiding businesses/homes, Consoletech.net has uploaded scans of the FBI search warrant for a premises that was searched as part of a crack down on mod chips. They go so far as to also take pictures of the premise and provide a detail description of the location. They seize all videogame items and computers to find any modchips and games on the computer.
Army of Two lead designer Chris Ferriera says that as much as EA Montreal would love to do a demo, they sort of need to concentrate on the game instead.
Asked when we might see one, he told Eurogamer: "Not prior to release. I don't know if there'll be something later, but the thing is given our release date [15th November for PS3 and Xbox 360 in the US and Europe] and where we're at, we'd rather focus on this rather than taking engineers off and having them do a demo."
Ferriera also refused to be drawn on whether we'd see more players supported in future.
"I can't talk about any expandability beyond the two-player co-op. I'm not allowed to talk about that right now," he said, describing two players as "an easy entry point" for the company's co-op approach.
As to whether that rules out an Army of Four or Army of Sixteen further down the line, he joked: "I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of such numbers of players."
The development kit for Home has been in the hands of the developers for a few weeks and will allow them to develop super awesome environments, trophies and games for the Home platform. Eventually. Currently the dev kit is at version 0.1 and contains basic tools for creating scenes. Right now it only supports models created in Maya, though that will no doubt be expanded to other 3D graphics packages, such as 3D Studio Max and Softimage XSI.
This information comes from a lecture given at the Develop Conference last week by James Cox from SCEE. He laid out the plans for upcoming versions of the development kit, saying that version 0.8 will allow 3D game creation for within Home spaces. Version 1.1 will be the first time the exporter for trophy achievements will be made available.
We're a little worried at just how functional Home is going to be this Autumn, if the kit currently has such limited tools. Will all the upcoming titles for this year support trophies, minigames and Home spaces? That depends on how quickly the new versions are shipped out to developers. Sony is still determined to release the Home platform this year.
With its $30 million budget, Stranglehold may be one of the most expensive games ever made. Ever since we played the game at E3, we've been somewhat enamored by this John Woo-inspired effort. The PS3 Collector's Editionwhich includes a Blu-ray version of "Hard Boiled," is what we're keeping our eye on.
After upsetting some of its fan base by announcing the game would be region protected, Midway has listened to the consumer and has removed region protection from the PS3 version of the game -- even the version with the movie on it! Please be clear that the Collector's Edition with the movie is only available in North America, so if you live elsewhere, you'll have to buy it as an import.
Dave Karraker from SCEA recently responded to the mostly confirmed rumors of a rumbling Sixaxis controller by stating, basically, no such controller exists. He did confirm that better motion-sensing controllers were in the works, but downplayed it as more of a controller update than a new controller. He said that "[Sony] recently sent out to the development community some new prototypes that have a slightly enhanced sensitivity for the analog sticks and the motion sensing within the Sixaxis controller ... This is not a new controller, but is part of the normal development and evolution of controllers."
While this may seem disheartening, this may be a PR tactic utilizing semantics. Rumble, as far as controllers are concerned, involve rotating hammer weights, causing the controller to shake. That feature is not coming to the PS3. But Karraker might have been dancing around the word rumble, when the proper term is TouchSense technology. Know what we're saying? Of course, maybe we're wrong. But we like dancing, too, Sony!
The multiplayer-only Warhawk finally has a price: $60 for the retail version (which includes Bluetooth headset) and $40 for the downloadable PSN version. The game will be available simultaneously on August 28th.
Which one will you choose? The downloadable version will be cheaper, but the PlayStation.blog explains that "the retail game is more of a premium version with some expanded video content, traditional package and manual."
Remember when we said that Lair and Heavenly Sword would be out on the same day, since the delay? Well it looks like that won't be the case. Heavenly Sword has now been "pushed back" (or "officially dated" if you want to be picky) for September 12th, a full week after Lair. Currently our minds are reeling. Just the thought of two highly anticipated titles actually being released is almost enough for us to forgive the recent delays and "official datings". Almost.
With August being the game wasteland that it is, with nary a Blu-Ray disc release to be seen, we're counting on Sony to step up to the plate and deliver us some decent PSN downloadable content for the next three weeks or so. To be fair, however, the last few weeks since E3 have been good for the PSN Store. Let's keep those demos coming. Ratchet and Clank and Lair, we're looking at you ...
Analyst Michael Pachter believes Rockstar has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto IV because it is struggling with development on the PlayStation 3.
And the Xbox 360 version of the game has suffered at least a six month delay as a result, due to contractual obligations that will have prevented the publisher from releasing the game first on Microsoft's machine, says the analyst.
"We think it is likely that the Rockstar team had difficulty in building an exceptionally complicated game for the PS3, and failed to recognise how far away from completion the game truly was until recently," said Pachter.
"We think it is also likely that Take-Two had a contractual commitment to Sony that it would not favour competitor Microsoft by launching the Xbox 360 version of GTA IV prior to launching the PS3 version, and believe that any delay of the PS3 version necessitated a delay of the Xbox 360 version," he added.
This failure to recognise development problems could dent investor confidence in the publisher, even after it has taken steps to improve the green light process for software development.
"Take-Two management stumbled badly for the first time during their tenure," commented Pachter.
"While the delay of GTA IV was clearly not the fault of new management, we believe that it should have been better understood several months ago, and should have been communicated to investors much earlier than today.
"The company has begun an initiative to improve the green light process for new projects, but given the delays of Manhunt and GTA, its process for monitoring projects under development appears to be a failure," he said.
Alien Syndrome (Wii, PSP)
After Burner: Black Falcon (PSP)
Beijing 2008: the Official Videogame of the Olympic Games (PS2, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, DS, PC) ChuChu Rocket! (XBLA, PC)
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars (PSP) Fighters Megamix 2 (Xbox 360, PS3)
Ghost Squad (Wii)
Happy Tree Friends False Alarm (XBLA, PC) Jet Set Radio Next (Xbox 360, PS3)
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS)
Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms Visit (PC)
Nights: Journey of Dreams (Wii)
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus (PS2, Xbox 360, PC) Samba De Amigo Fever (PSP) Sega Classics Collection 2 (PS2,PSP)
Sega Rally Revo (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PC) Sega Superstar 2 (Wii) Shenmue 3 (Xbox 360) Shenmue I & II Plus (Xbox 360) Skies of Arcadia 2 (Wii)
Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP)
Sonic Rush Adventure (DS)
Sonic the RPG (Xbox 360, PS3) Space Channel 5 Part 3 (Xbox 360, PS3) Space Channel 5 Showtime (Wii, DS, PSP)
The Club (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
The Golden Compass (PS2, PC, DS, Xbox 360, PSP, PS3, Wii)
The House of the Dead 4 (Xbox 360, PS3)
Universe at War: Earth Assault (Xbox 360, PC)
Virtua Fighter 5 (Xbox 360, PS3) Virtua Fighter Kids 2 (Wii)
Worldwide Soccer Manager Live (Xbox 360, PC) Yakuza 3 (PS3)
Overview : One of the best things about modern console games is playing online against gamers from all over the world. And whether you’re going one on one in the latest sports sim, joining a party to mash the monsters in a MMORPG or indulging in first-person team-on-team action, playing with and against other people is much more fun when you can talk to them as well…
That’s where Communicator Headset for PS3 comes in. With its comfortable, over-the-ear design and snazzy hi-tech look, it’s an essential purchase for online gamers. With a microphone positioned near your mouth and an earpiece for crystal-clear sound, Communicator Headset lets you bark out your orders or taunt your opponents as you play. So if you want to keep in touch with gamers from all over the world as you batter them in a beat-‘em-up, drive ‘em crazy in a driving game or blow ’em to bits in that first-person shooter, Communicator Headset for PS3 is the ideal choice.
Features :
Comfortable, stylish design.
Crystal clear sound.
Mic positioned near mouth – no need to shout…
Works with WiFi connection.
Quality/Usability : Datel has released their Communicator Headset for the PlayStation 3. This allows you to chat to other gamers over the PlayStation 3 network or in game. The look, style and feel is similar to that of the Datel PSP Communicator Headset. It should also be the same to that of the Xbox 360 and DS versions as well.
The earphone is pretty sturdy. On the earphone itself, is a small clip that loops around your ear. If you own or have seen some SONY Street style headphones, this is similar. The earphone fits on your left ear. You’re unable to switch the clip like you would do with a Bluetooth headphone. If you’re the type of person to wear them on your right ear, you’ll be disappointed and probably feel uncomfortable. The microphone doesn’t stick out all the way (approx. 3.5”) but is long enough for the other person on the other end to hear you. The length of the wire itself is long enough that you can move around freely and not too long where you have to drag it.
The Datel PS3 Communicator Headset works with pretty much any game that allows voice chat such as Resistance, Motorstorm. From what I know (dont own the game) but Call of Duty 3 does not support voice chat. The headset connects to the PlayStation 3 via the USB port. There is also a Bluetooth version available as well. It worked flawlessly in the PlayStation Network as well during in game. The quality of voice is fairly clear. There were times where voice was garbled.
Conclusion : Overall, the Datel PS3 Communicator Headset worked great whether it just be over the PlayStation 3 Network or in-game. Majority of games on the market now allows for voice chat. Unfortunately, it would do no good if the other player doesnt have a headset. You'll just be talking to yourself.
PS3 Controller Power Charge Stand
Manufacturer: Dragonplus
Site: Buy from Goldenshop.com.hk
Price: $7.00
Overview :
Features :
High quality 3rd party product.
Quick charge function with any USB socket - e.g. PSX3, computer, etc...
Fully compatible with the PSX3 wireless controller.
Easy to fix the controller on to the stand and easy to eject it by pressing the button.
2 Power Charge Stand can be fixed together easily.
Quality/Usability : The Controller Power Charger Stand charges your PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS controller. Aesthetically, the stand looks bland and plain. So as long it does its job that's all it matter...but does it?
The charger stand recharges the SIXAXIS by connecting to any USB port whether it be the PS3 or on your computer/laptop. There is no ON/OFF switch but the moment you plug your SIXAXIS into the stand, it starts charging. Right above the USB plug that inserts into the SIXAXIS is a "mirror" This allows you to see the LED light on the controller. On the top of the charger stand is a button. This button helps push the controller off the stand.
With the SIXAXIS placed into the charger stand, it takes about 2-3 hours for the controller to be fully charged which allows you approximately 30 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
Conclusion : Overall, the PS3 Controller Power Charge Stand does its job by recharging the Li-ion batteries on the SIXAXIS. The use of the button to help push the SIXAXIS off the USB plug seems pointless to me as you can easily just pull the controller out. The ability to also attach another PS3 Controller Charge Stand back to back is nice but you'll have to plug the second stand into another USB port.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has told GamesIndustry.biz that there are no plans to phase out the current PlayStation 3 Starter Pack bundle in the region, despite its Australian counterpart ending the offer later this month.
Sony of Australia has confirmed that the bundle – consisting of the console, two Sixaxis controllers and two first-party games – will no longer be available from August 31, only four weeks after it was first introduced in the region.
But SCEE has moved quickly to assure European consumers that the move does not affect other PAL regions, with a spokesperson confirming "there is absolutely no time limit on that offer in Europe."
Sony introduced the offer in the UK July 18 and in the rest of Europe August 1, maintaining the original GBP 425 / EUR 599 asking price but adding value with two new games and an extra Sixaxis controller.
Nintendo's latest Pokemon titles are the best-selling games in Spain for the week ended July 29, according to data from Media Control GfK International.
Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl are at number one and two respectively, with another DS title, More Brain Training with Dr Kawashima at number three.
Continuing the brain training theme at number four is Big Brain Academy for the Wii, while Konami's Platinum release of Pro Evolution Soccer 6 on PS2 is at number five.
Dr Kawashima's Brain Training is at number six, with Wii Play at seven and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 Platinum for the PSP at number eight.
The bundle of Sony's SingStar Pop Hits with two microphones is at nine in the region, with EA's Platinum release of FIFA 07 at ten.
Games for Nintendo's DS and Wii are dominating the top ten in Germany, with Pokemon Diamond and Pearl sitting at number one and two in the charts.
More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima's and the original Dr Kawashima's Brain Training are at three and four, respectively, with Eidos' DS title Pony Friends at number five.
The only non-Nintendo title in the top ten is 2K Games' Sid Meier's Civilisation IV: Beyond the Sword at six.
Ubisoft's The Settlers for DS is number seven, with Mario Party 8 for the Wii at eight, the DS version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at nine and Animal Crossing: Wild World at ten.
Hori have today released a new 160GB Hard Drive for the PS3. The Hard drive is made specially for the PS3. The price of the Hard Drive stands at US$ 229.90 (~113.77 GBP)
According to the cheatcc podcast R* will be going PS3/PSP exclusive. All upcoming titles other than those in production will be on the PS3 only. If this is true it could be a huge coup for Sony as it measn that all the GTA IV spin offs will be PS3 and PSP exclusive.
It has finally been confirmed that you won't have to buy a thousand-pound PC to play Unreal Tournament III with proper controls because the PS3 version will support mouse and keyboard. Get in!
Epic's all-knowing Mark Rein confirmed the good news on the official UTIII forums. "I checked with Steve Polge [the lead designer] and he said that YES we are supporting keyboard and mouse in Unreal Tournament 3 on PS3," he firmly stated.
"He is confident we are doing it in a way that will be balanced without feeling "gimped" for either side. We'll also allow people to choose whether or not they want to allow mixed controller vs. keyboard/mouse games or not."
This must have been a recent development because Rein had "no idea" about it when we spoke to him last week, although he questioned whether or not it's fair to give people the chance to play with a mouse and keyboard set-up, which would allow you to severely thrash anyone using a comparatively restrictive control pad.
We say its great news to know we'll be able to play the game with PC-quality control on PS3, and anyone who falls victim to the pin-point aiming of a mouse-user; serves you right. Get the equipment and play it properly, or don't whinge about it.
It all started when Dead or Alive mastermind Tomonobu Itagaki started talking about Sony's PS3 stunner, Heavenly Sword...
Things were going well when "I've never played a good game where the developers put a big icon of the button you're supposed to press onscreen," popped out of Itagaki's mouth during an EGM interview. He then followed up with "I look at Heavenly Sword and it seems really half-assed, because it's asking you to do all these button-timing sequences but you are not getting much payoff from it."
He may have a point but we didn't have a problem with those similar action sequences in the mighty God of War games. In fact, we kind of liked them...
But Heavenly Sword producer Kyle Shubel wasn't going to let Itagaki get away with it and came back with: "My response to Mr. Itagaki would be that the intent of the Hero sequences is to empower the player to experience events that would be nearly impossible to play in a natural platforming state... for example, making the player run down ropes, leaping from rope to rope as they're being cut from underneath you, all while dodging other objects - that would be a frustrating experience to 99 percent of our users if we were to force them to do that manually."
Last week we had the storys of stores and homes being targeted by USA authorities but now something more of a concern for the Homebrew and Hacking Scene, Tehskeen website which has a wealth of information about Gamecube and Nintendo Wii Hacking and Homebrew and Modding has today shut it doors with a RIP sign on the website.
Speaking to Brakken he claimed outside pressures but with the actions taken last week its pretty obvious that the site has been taken down by a mixture of legal threats both to him and his hosts.
DCEmu UK would like to offer any Homebrew and Emulation coders for the Wii and Gamecube a home at our network. Hopefully tehskeen will arise somehow but its a concerning moment for any Hacking Site/ Community.
The last week the world of modchips has took a massive beating and lets be fair anyone selling pirated discs and consoles chipped along with pirated discs is themselves to blame, but in a world with Global Terrorism so high on the agenda and so many other worrying global events like Global Warming its staggering that worldwide authorities are so devoted against modchips. Piracy does ruin consoles and the global games market but wouldnt it be better to actually join forces and fight the real evils of this world, heres the newspost of a massive raid in the UK from Next gen:
The discovery of chipped Wii and Xbox 360 consoles at a residential property was made after officers first raided a tradesman’s stall at a Halifax market. When his residence was later searched, West Yorkshire Police unearthed a staggering 246 Wii and 168 Xbox 360 consoles.
Also included in the haul were 19 PSPs, 12 DS Lites, 6 PlayStation 2s and 6 PlayStation 3s, along with other pirating material such as computers used for the duplication of copied discs, illegal chips, 300-400 copied games discs, and £5,000 in cash.
The original operation at the market also resulted in the seizure of over 5000 illegal discs with a retail value of over £50,000.
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and one of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s closest allies, remarked that the operation, codenamed Poseidon, highlighted an excellent use of government funding in the fight against video games copyright crime.
All seized consoles have now been sent to ELSPA’s (Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) Anti-Piracy Unit (APU) for forensic examination.
“I congratulate West Yorkshire Trading Standards and west Yorkshire Police for what stands as a landmark seizure of chipped consoles and illegally copied discs. The scale of the operation and the removal of counterfeit material from the market place will have an immediate impact on local businesses in the area,” said Michael Rawlinson, managing director of ELSPA.
“Copyright crime is driven by greed and causes a loss of millions of pounds to retailers of West Yorkshire and to members of the music and entertainment industry every year,” said Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standard.
“The haul of items from this operation should send out a clear warning to individuals involved in the illegal copyright industry that they will dealt with severely. This sort of crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment,” he added.
The world is full of double standards and soft targets it seems.
Leading industry analyst Michael Pachter believes that there won't be another drop in price for the PlayStation 3 this year, instead Sony will likely reposition the console price ahead of the release of highly anticipated software titles GTA IV and Metal Gear Solid 4 in 2008.
However, the Wedbush Morgan exec does expect a further price drop for Sony's PlayStation 2 console before Christmas.
"Although we do not expect another PS3 price cut this year, we think a price cut for the PS2 is possible," said Pachter in his latest note to investors. "Any hardware price reduction could serve as a catalyst for sales growth later in the year."
"We do expect Sony to be in a position to cut the price of the PS3 in early 2008, when blockbuster games Grand Theft Auto IV and PS3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4 will launch," he offered.
Pachter also believes that publishers will continue to see growth in 2007, as investor's fears over the console transition begin to disappear.
"Should industry sales continue to be strong, we think that investors concerns about a secular shift away from videogames will subside, and we expect the US publisher stocks to continue to appreciate.
"It may take until after the holidays when concerns about the 'stalled' cycle are fully alleviated, and we expect volatility for videogame stocks through the year, though with an upward bias," he said.
After denying the PS3 Starter Pack is a limited offer in Europe, new evidence from Sony UK has shown that the GBP 425 deal is likely to end at the end of the summer – much like the bundle in the Australian market.
Yesterday it emerged that Sony Australia would only be offering the deal – which includes the console, extra Sixaxis controller and choice of two first-party games – until the end of the month. Sony told GamesIndustry.biz that the offer is ongoing in the European regions.
However, emails being sent from Sony to consumers dissatisfied that they purchased the GBP 425 console before the Starter Pack was announced – and therefore missed out on free games and peripherals – have stated that the current deal is a summer promotion only.
"I was sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with regards to the launch of the PlayStation 3 Starter Pack. I would like to take this opportunity to stress that this is a summer promotion and that due to the nature of this offer it will end on a predetermined date," said the email from SCEE.
But despite acknowledging that these emails were being sent out from Sony, a representative for the company again reiterated to GamesIndustry that the current Starter Pack offering "will continue for the foreseeable future".
While the messages form Sony may be mixed at the current time, it's expected that the company will be making further announcements regarding the future of the console and its price at this month's Game Convention in Leipzig.
Man, going through the airport security process is such a hassle these days. Remove all the metal from your pockets ... take off your shoes ... present your game consoles for inspection. Wait, what was that last one?
Yes, as of Saturday new TSA rules require travelers carrying "full-size electronics," including game consoles, to remove them from carry-on bags for a separate X-ray screening. Portable game systems and other small electronics can stay inside your luggage.
TSA spokesperson Jennifer Peppin told The Seattle Times that consoles were being given the same treatment as laptops and video cameras because "these types of devices can resemble components that could be used in explosives." What, and smaller electronics can't? Peppin also told ShackNews that the consoles would not be subject to explosive swab testing or other security measures besides the separate X-ray screening. So don't worry about the residue from that firecracker tying up your flight plans, we suppose.
The Hong Kong Anicom / Gamefair is a relatively small comic, collectible and video game fair compared to international events. But as Hong Kong people are crazy about games and anime, the show attracts about half a million visitors every year and the exhibition hall is incredibly crowded from the first to the last hour of the 5-day event.
One of the biggest attraction of the show (besides the Samsung Game Girl Contest), is the World Cyber Games Hong Kong Preliminary, traditionally held on the Samsung booth.
This year the Hong Kong Preliminary featured competitions for six different games, offering the chance to qualify for the WCG Asian Championship in Singapore and the WCG main event in Dallas.
Some fairly depressing rumors are declaring that Shenmue, that sailor-loving Sega franchise, is all but dead and buried. As recently as last year, series creator Yu Suzuki confirmed the development of Shenmue Online, but legal issues between Sega and developer JC Entertainment stalled the game's development.
A post over at Shenmue Dojo, which quotes an email from Kikizo's Adam Doree, bodes ill for the future of both Shenmue Online and Shenmue 3:
"As for Shenmue, I would have to say at this stage, it is worth forgetting about. If all the fans get any rich relatives together and channel it though Dojo perhaps we could buy rights, hire Suzuki (he'd likely say yes) and independently make the game under license from Sega at no risk to them. That is the only way it will get made at this stage I think."
If that's not quite declarative enough for you, Doree also says "Shenmue Online is f***ed and Suzuki's status is, once again, up in the air, which counts Shenmue III totally out of the picture right now. This is confirmed, it seems."
While we can hope that Doree has no clue what he's talking about, it's sadly more likely that he's absolutely correct. We'll probably never see the conclusion of Ryo Hazuki's story, or see the comeuppance of the evil Lan Di. Sigh.
PeterM a respected coder in the PSP scene has today posted news on our Wii-News site that the latest system update for the Nintendo Wii has stopped the SD Media Launcher from working.
An advertisement for the PlayStation 3, which prompted several complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority, has been banned by the watchdog.
The ad, which featured a character called Kovac holding a knife and a gun, contained text which read "You on my side? Listen up I've killed for less, the music plays Puccini in my head."
The complaints protested that the images, taken together with the text, sent out an inappropriate message to young people.
Sony's agency, TBWA, responded by saying that the ad was targeted at an adult audience, and that it wasn't intended to "represent, nor describe, socially acceptable or aspirational behaviour."
However, the ASA agreed with complainants on the issue, stating that it felt it "could be seen to condone or glamorise violence or anti-social behaviour," and has asked Sony to amend future ads accordingly.
Several other complaints, directed at a number of additional internet ads, a television ad and also one in the national press, were not upheld.
Developer Free Radical has confirmed that TimeSplitters 4 is in development.
The news came from script writer Rob Yescombe, who told Kotaku the team was hard at work on the new game.
TimeSplitters is a first-person shooter series that lets you travel back and forth in time like Marty McFly and Doc Brown. Inherent to the list of ingredients is a hefty dose of satire, and Yescombe promises this time will be no different.
"In the past TimeSplitters has been very satirical at the expense of movies, [and] this time it will be satirical at the expense of videogames," said Yescombe.
Other details are still scarce, with platforms and tentative release dates still kept behind closed doors.
Free Radical is currently working on Haze, which tells the story of a rebellion against a military global mega-corporation by a former soldier. It's being described as a thinking man's shooter, and is PS3-exclusive until the end of the year (with PC and Xbox 360 releases sometime in 2008).
Hideo Kojima will be on-hand to demo Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to attendees at Games Convention later this month.
Kojima will show off a new trailer, "detail key plot points" and reveal "exciting news about forthcoming Metal Gear projects from Kojima Productions", Konami has said.
"When I last came to Leipzig, I promised fans of Metal Gear Solid they would be able to see a playable version of MGS4 - and, to celebrate the special nature of the occasion, I can confirm, that I will bring a special guest with me," Kojima said in a press release.
"I love the enthusiasm European games players constantly show towards our titles, and look forward to showing Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots at the most important European gaming event of the year."
If you're one of those enthusiastic European games-players, then you've probably already watched the handsome high-definition, 15-minute-long hands-on demonstration of the game recorded at a recent 20th anniversary Metal Gear bash in Tokyo and then uploaded to PlayStation Network. If not, do so - it's quite interesting.
MGS4 is due out worldwide exclusively on PS3 in early 2008.
The day before today we told you that PlayStation Network title Blast Factor was getting a sequel. We even gave you some details.
And today we're giving you more. You might have even already seen the exclusive video over on Eurogamer TV, or had a look at the exclusive shots in our Blast Factor: Advanced Research gallery. If you haven't, do.
It shows the revamped game in action; your little microscopic ship blasting nasty virus cells using all manner of clever tactics.
Because, you see, this time everything will look nicer, sound better, and be more challenging. There's more enemies with fancy new powers, and monthly high score tables for that sense of achievement - even a practice mode to get to grips with things.
And for those of you saying it looks like a knock-off of Geometry Wars, well, you've missed the point. It isn't, Blast Factor is more tactical - read our review from earlier in the year if you don't believe us.
Blast Factor: Advanced Research is expected in the US PlayStation Store "soon", although Sony has yet to announce its European plans.
Sony has pulled two more PS1 titles from the PlayStation Store due to 'technical problems'. This is after last week, when they pulled Medievil due to a game stopping bug. This time around, we lose Crash Bandicoot 2 and Spyro 2 (which was on shaky ground already due to an audio bug).
No time frame was given for when the titles will get re-released. According to Sony, they're looking into what caused the bugs but, "This investigation is highly technical and requires some time to work through."
People who have purchased these titles will be contacted by Sony in the next 10 days about what the plan is. People who have already downloaded the titles won't have to pay for them again, but there's no knowledge if customers will be able to just get a rebate if they don't want to wait for a 'fixed' version to come out.
David Jaffe (or Jaffe Cakes, as we like to call him) has revealed in an interview with GamePro.com that his 20-person company has plans to develop at least three exclusive titles for the PS3. Along with developing the PS2 port of Twisted Metal: Head On Eat Sleep Play will be developing the first of these exclusives. Jaffe laments that he can't say much more, other than the first games will be "medium to hardcore in terms of game play and will focus heavily on multiplayer."
Whether these games will be full Blu-Ray titles or PSN downloadables is unclear. We expect them to be a mixture of both, what with Jaffe's love of smaller, casual games. The first game will be available in early 2008.
If you've been following Rock Band news at all, you're probably aware that there are going to be bundles where you buy the game and get the instruments as well. No, there aren't any official prices, but that's okay because it's starting to seem like the PS3 is going to give you a mighty fine deal. Amazon and Gamestop both list the bundles for $199, except the PS3 version comes with a wireless guitar whereas the 360 version has a wired guitar.
We're not exactly sure if this is going to be the final prices or availability of the game and its instruments, but if it is, why is the PS3 getting a wireless guitar for the same price as the 360's wired one? The folks in charge of Rock Band certainly have some SKU control to take care of before the game releases, or else there are going to be a lot of question
but a good place to chat and idle is in our chatroom on IRC, sure the forums are the best place to ask questions and get help but the IRC Chan is a place where we have a laugh and most of the time a decent place to be.
