Video Games News, Previews & Reviews

Gamers Beware! PlayStation Catastrophe Still Plaguing PS3s

Prisqua — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:31:17 +0000

What’s Going On?

The geek meltdown that began last night continues unabated this evening as Sony plods through its PlayStation quagmire, largely due to 2010 being mislabeled as a leap year. The ordeal started when clocks rolled over to March 1st and older (non-PS3 Slim) PlayStation owners began experiencing a myriad of bizarre and unfixable problems, including blocked access to the PlayStation Network, corrupted trophy data, and an inability to launch certain games and videos.

How to Handle the PS3 Situation:
While the official source of the fiasco remains a mystery, Sony believes “that this problem is being caused by a bug in the clock functionality incorporated in the system,” which may be linked to faulty leap year programming. The company also contends that the problem is isolated to older models, though apparently not all, and has recommended that owners of anything other than the slim consoles keep their PS3s turned off.

Millions of frenzied gamers are undoubtedly fiending for some online action right now, but Sony said that it does hope to have everything resolved within 24-hours. (That’s little consolation to the devoted consumers who spent hundreds of dollars for their consoles and routinely pay more than $50 for individual games. Some free swag from the PSN store as recompense, maybe?)

End in Sight?
Despite Sony’s 24-hour claim, the problem may actually fix itself at midnight GMT tonight, so to at least help pass the time (if you appreciate intense geek-freakouts), the PS3 message boards are abundant with quality tech meme humor, including the obvious Skynet and late-Y2K jokes.

Update: No official word from Sony yet, but we’re seeing reports from Joystiq (and on Twitter and Facebook) that PS3s are back up and running. Stay tuned for more. [From: Engadget]

Update: PlayStation Network Service Restored

Sony to PS3 Owners: Don’t Turn on Your Console

Prisqua — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:34:22 +0000

You might have seen our earlier report that, thanks to 2010 being mislabeled as a leap year in the code of some PlayStation 3s, some gamers were experiencing crashes and errors, and were unable to access the PlayStation Network. Well, things just got a lot more interesting — and scary. The word, direct from Sony, is that owners of non-slim model PS3s should refrain from turning on their consoles until the bug has been fixed. Apparently, there is a very good chance that attempting to operate the PS3 while experiencing such errors could lead to data loss and corruption.

Sony says it hopes to have the bug fixed in the next 24 hours. So, sorry if you were planning a marathon ‘Gods of War III’ session tonight. Take this as an opportunity to spend time with your children or significant other. Or, just sit and stare longingly at your PS3 until it’s safe to turn on. It’s your call. [From: Sony, via: Engadget and Joystiq]

A Huge Business – Online Multiplayer Games

Prisqua — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:36:11 +0000

In our modern age, there is a very good chance that you will at some point spent some time in an internet cafe, or library with internet access.

If this is the case for you, then on some of these visits, you may have spotted some very lively people.

People that look horrified, elated, or even sometimes furious at whatever it is that is appearing on the computer screen in front of them.

There is a strong possibility that these people are playing a multiplayer internet game.

These are games which can be played in teams, or even in competition, but with other real-life players taking part.

Years ago, nobody would have imagined that an industry built around these games could grow so big.

The amazing thing about these types of games, is that they enable fellow gamers from all over the globe to communicate, and interact with one another within the game world.

Because everyone is playing the game together in real time, one player can be under attack from a horde of enemy soldiers, and need assistance- That player can then call another gamer for a “helping hand”, and they can join you in your part of the “game world” and help you take out the enemy, or at least save you from a tight spot!

The extent that these online multi-player games have evolved over the last few years is astonishing. It has given birth to a whole new world of gaming, which a decade ago would not have been possible.

Some of these games even allow players to use VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), which allows players to actually chat in real time about the game they are playing.

It has certainly made having to wait in line, whilst another player has his turn of the game a thing of the past!

Another Wii Fit Miracle: Woman Loses 112lbs

Prisqua — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:00:51 +0000

“I’m a Wii bit thinner!” Mum goes from 18st to 10st using Nintendo’s keep-fit console .

MUM Lara Roberts has gone from well fat to Wii Fit after losing EIGHT STONE by working out with her games console. When she tipped the scales at 18 stone, Lara 38, struggled to climb the stairs and was embarrassed to have sex with her husband.

BEFORE - Lara at 18st

But a punishing fitness regime of an hour a day on her Nintendo Wii has seen her go from a straining size 22 to a slinky size 10 in a year. And the mum-of-two who felt like a “beached whale” now goes clubbing in killer heels and parades round the house in sexy undies.

“I feel like I’ve been reborn,” said Lara, of Farnborough, Hants.

She had always been slim until the birth of her second daughter, Paige, now eight, but she found it tough to lose her baby weight. She started comfort eating and got to the point of scoffing more than 4,000 calories a day.

“I’d have a cooked breakfast most days and cheese sandwiches and pizza for lunch,” Lara recalls.

“And I snacked constantly on biscuits and crisps and cakes and got through litres of fizzy drinks a day. Nothing could fill me up.”
Lara now admits that, although she put on a brave face about her size, she was desperately ashamed.

“While on holiday in Lanzarote, the family went on a camel ride but I refused – I was scared the poor camel wouldn’t be able to get up.”
“And I used to cringe when my husband Steve touched me, I felt horribly self-conscious and used to get breathless in bed from exertion.”

The turning point came for Lara when early in 2008, a friend told her she “never stopped eating”.

Too embarrassed about her weight to visit a gym or go out jogging, she bought a Wii Fit. “I knew if I didn’t do something, chances are I wouldn’t live to see my girls grow up,” she says. Lara started getting up at 5am every morning for a Wii Fit workout and ditched the comfort eating for a healthier diet.

AFTER - Lara lost 8st

A year later she now weighs just nine-and-a-half stone and jokes that pals of her daughter Abigail, 15, fancy her. She is even appearing on BBC 3 documentary I’m Hotter Than My Daughter next month.

“I’ve become a real exhibitionist,” she laughs. “And the best thing is the improvement in my sex life.

“As far as I’m concerned the Wii Fit saved my life.”

Via News of the world

Should Australia have an R18+ Video Game rating?

Prisqua — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:34:56 +0000

Should Australia have an R18+ Video Game rating the same as the film industry is a debate that has gone on for years. The Government has taken the first step in making this a reality by calling for submissions on the topic.

EB Games believe very strongly that it is imperative that an R18+ rating is introduced, however they wanted to make sure their customers felt the same way.

they conducted a survey on their website and in just 10 days they had over 50,000 people respond. 84% of people said they felt it was time for change and that an R18+ rating was needed.

In response to this survey and their own strong belief they have launched an instore and online petition for you to sign. This is your one chance to be heard, so don’t waste any time, spread the word!

“This is not a call for violent video games, but rather a call for a better classification system that bring Australia in line with the rest of the world and other Australian entertainment industries, such as films” – Steve Wilson, Managing director, EB Games

Sign the EB Games R18+ Petition today, by either visisting your local store or through the website. All petitions must be submitted by 14th February 2010.

Heavy Rain Includes Mandatory 4.2GB PS3 HDD Installation

JAG — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:39:07 +0000

A few weeks ago the Heavy Rain front boxart was released, and today GameStop has made available the back boxart which reveals a mandatory 4.2GB PS3 HDD installation.

For those curious, Sony has also confirmed that they will offer a Heavy Rain alternate PS3 box art print out on launch.

To quote from JustPushStart.com (linked above): “You might want to save an extra 4.2GB of space in your hard drive as the game will REQUIRE (as the game boxart suggests) you to install the game�s data in order to proceed.

It sure is a lot of space but as you are waiting for the data to install in your hard drive, there will be a guide showing you on how to make a Swan Origami (as featured in the game) while you�re waiting for the game to install.”

Heavy Rain pre-orders are now available for $59.99 and the PlayStation 3 title is scheduled to ship on February 23, 2010.

Sims 3 Beats Out WoW As Top 2009 PC Seller

Prisqua — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:30:40 +0000

Electronic Arts’ acclaimed sequel The Sims 3 was the highest-selling PC game at retail in the United States during calendar 2009 according to tracking firm NPD, beating Blizzard’s World of Warcraft expansion pack Wrath of the Lich King.

Those top two games were indicative of the rest of the list: together, the WarCraft and The Sims series were responsible for six out of the top ten bestselling retail PC games, including The Sims 3’s predecessor The Sims 2: Double Deluxe, which bundles the main game and various expansion packs.

NPD says PC game retail sales were hit even harder than the broader industry in 2009, with revenues down 23 percent year-over-year to $538 million, as compared to a total 11 percent software decline for the industry as a whole. In addition to the general environment of weakened consumer confidence, PC game retail sales likely suffered further from the ongoing growth of digital distribution.

Outside of the two main PC juggernaut franchises, the PC version of Infinity Ward’s multiplatform hit Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was the highest-selling game on the list, coming in at number five. And Spore, from original The Sims creator Maxis, ranked at number eight.

Two other core-oriented games, BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins and The Creative Assembly’s PC-exclusive Empire: Total War, managed to make the list at numbers nine and 10 respectively.

NPD’s list of top-selling retail PC games in the United States during 2009 is as follows:

1. The Sims 3 (Electronic Arts)
2. World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King (Blizzard, Activision)
3. The Sims 2: Double Deluxe (Electronic Arts)
4. World of Warcraft Battle Chest (Blizzard, Activision)
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Infinity Ward, Activision)
6. World of Warcraft (Blizzard, Activision)
7. The Sims 3: World Adventures (Electronic Arts)
8. Spore (Maxis, Electronic Arts)
9. Dragon Age: Origins (BioWare, Electronic Arts)
10. Empire: Total War (The Creative Assembly, Sega)

Via Gamasutra

Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies for iPhone

Prisqua — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:48:37 +0000

Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies brings the classic zombie slaying game mode to the iPhone and iPod touch.

Featuring the original zombie map “Nacht der Untoten” (Night of the undead), fight to survive in the barricaded bunker where it all began – and you can bring along your friends to help push back the endless waves of attacking zombies

- Supports up to four players via Wi-Fi/Internet and two players via Bluetooth. Play with your friends in the same room, on the other side of town, and even across the globe. With the option of either private or open matchmaking, where there’s a Wi-Fi connection, there’s a friend to go Zombie-hunting with

- This is the Zombie experience from Call of Duty: World at War. “Nacht der Untoten” has been fully realized on the iPhone in a silky smooth 3D environment, along with the return of your favorite guns and killer power ups.

- Three different control schemes are available to suit your style. Take advantage of the iPhone’s unique tilt capabilities or, for Zombie vets, use the virtual analog sticks to fend off the undead.

- Features a full list of unique Achievements

- Leaderboard support awards the best of the best, accessed directly through your iPhone or iPod Touch.

- Will fully support future Downloadable Content, ensuring that the classic survival experience will live on with new maps.

You can purchase Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies for $9.99 from the App Store.

Via iPhone News & Reviews

Rumor: Netflix is Heading to Sony’s PS3 Console Soon

JAG — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:50:39 +0000

We already know of Netflix’s plans to stream to Sony Bravia TV Sets, and in the past both a survey and CNET have hinted that Netflix may be coming to Sony’s PlayStation 3 console.

Today, according to the Associated Press, Netflix stocks are riding high after management announced they’ll soon be extending their “watch instantly” Internet streaming service to a new “device.”

Just what is this device? Netflix isn’t telling – not yet, anyway. As of now, they’ve only hinted that it’s “already owned by a large number of consumers.” This, of course, has revivified speculation that the service will soon become available for the PlayStation 3 or Wii.

In fact, analysts are already betting the device they’re referring to will either be the PS3 or Wii. To be sure, it’s hard to think of any other devices the service could easily be extended to that are already owned by a large number of consumers.

And it’d almost certainly be good business for Netflix, as they credit their move to the Xbox 360 for spurring the influx of 2.4 million new subscribers since fall of 2008.

No indication was given for when Netflix plans to formally announce this mystery device, so it’s wait and see for now. Keep your fingers crossed, PS3 and Wii owners.

Namco Announces Inversion for PS3 and XBox 360

JAG — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:48:55 +0000

Inversion is a third-person co-op shooter that combines hard-hitting, adrenaline-pumping action with a revolutionary gravity manipulation engine.

Featuring the Grappler weapon, players will be able to manipulate gravity for their own purposes soon on Sony’s PS3 and the Microsoft XBox 360 console.

Press Release: 21st October 2009 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S today announced INVERSION for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

Developed by Saber Interactive, INVERSION takes players on a whirlwind journey complete with nonstop firefights, and a suspense-filled storyline. Packed to the brim with action,INVERSION also introduces revolutionary gravity-wielding combat, zero gravity environments, vector changes, and a unique destructible cover system.INVERSION is planned for release in 2010.

The Grappler can be used in countless combat situations by maneuvering massive objects as shields or projectiles, and moving camped enemies out of concealed cover so they can be blasted away.

The Grappler is also a key tool for tactical situations and puzzle solving as players can lift, move, or create cover objects at their whim. The awesome power of gravity is right at players’ fingertips. Additionally,INVERSION is one of the first games to feature the HAVOK destruction engine which bestows INVERSION with massively destructible environments including an elaborate cover system.

Set in the near future, the tranquil peace enjoyed by mankind shatters with an unforeseen invasion by an unknown enemy called the Lutadore. Armed to the teeth with futuristic gravity-controlling weapons, the Lutadore easily overrun the city’s defenses. Unbeknownst to all, mysterious anomalies have surfaced in conjunction with the invasion.

Random regions in the city have entered zero gravity or have suffered vector changes, throwing the world into topsy-turvy chaos. Assuming the role of Davis Russel, a hotheaded 28-year-old cop, or Leo Delgado, Davis’ neighbor, players will embark on a journey through the war ravaged gravity twisted disorienting streets of their home town and beyond, to find Davis’ missing child.

“INVERSION will turn the shooter genre upside down, literally,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “Saber Interactive’s innovative gravity manipulation feature will blow away any preconceptions of what a contemporary shooter should be.”

“Working with NAMCO BANDAI Games on a project of this caliber is a complete thrill,” said Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive. “We are doing things in INVERSION that most people didn’t think possible on the current generation of consoles. We can’t wait to get INVERSION in the hands of gamers across the world.”

“We are delighted to see Havok Destruction incorporated as an important gameplay element in INVERSION,” said David O’Meara, Managing Director for Havok. “The talented team of developers and artists who is creating INVERSION has really embraced the Havok Destruction technology and we can’t wait to see the final results.”