PlayStation

More 3D Titles Coming To The PS3! (updated)

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 23, 2011 | 8 comments

Now that Sony’s 3D PlayStation TV as well as the damn cool redesigned 3D glasses have arrived, it’s the perfect time for gamers to try out the wonderful world of 3D that only the PS3 can achieve. Whether it be games or movies, these unique 3D experiences open up a new way for gamers to immerse themselves in fantasy worlds where imaginations know no boundaries.

Our friends from the PlayStation Blog compiled a list of available and upcoming 3D games and movies on the PS3, whether they be on a Blu-Ray disc or downloadable through the PSN, these titles will take your entertainment to a whole new dimension.

Out now

Auditorium*
Batman: Arkham City
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Captain America: Super Soldier
Cars 2: The Video Game
Child of Eden
Crysis*
Crysis 2
de Blob 2: Underground
Dungeon Defenders*
Dynasty Warriors 7
Enslaved: Journey to the West (via PSN software update)
EyePet
The Fight: Lights Out
The House of the Dead: Overkill — Extended Cut
Gran Turismo 5
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
God of War: Origins Collection
High Velocity Bowling
Hustle Kings*
ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection
Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao*
James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game
Killzone 3
MLB 11: The Show
Mortal Kombat
MotorStorm: 3D Rift*
MotorStorm Apocalypse
NBA 2K11 (via PSN software update)
NBA 2K12
PAIN*
Prince of Persia Trilogy*
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 (via software update)
Puzzle Dimension*
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Red Faction: Battlegrounds*
Resistance 3
Ridge Racer 7*
Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken*
Shaun White Skateboarding
SOCOM 4
Sonic Generations
The Sly Collection
Super Stardust HD* (via PSN software update)
Swords and Soldiers*
Tetris on PSN* (via PSN software update)
Thor: God of Thunder
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Trilogy
Top Darts*
Top Spin 4
TRON: Evolution
Tumble*
Virtua Tennis 4
WipEout HD*
Assassin’s Creed Revelations
Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception
EyePet & Friends

*Indicates downloadable PSN title

After the jump, a list of 3D titles available on Blu-ray and on the PlayStation Video Store.

Crackle Movies Available In PlayStation Home

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 21, 2011 | 22 comments

In case you didn’t know, Crackle is a digital media network that streams full movies and shows (ad-supported) in flash format on the web. PlayStation 3 owners who have used the PS3 web browser in the past may have had experiences watching full movies on the browser through Crackle.

Now it seems, PlayStation Home users can now add FREE full film viewings to their “to-do lists” as Sony announced that Crackle is indeed coming to PlayStation Home. Players and their friends on PS Home can watch literally hundreds of full shows and movies in the LOOT EOD screens found in the LOOT EOD Ttheatres which include the Sunset Yacht and Hollywood Hills House home spaces.

Some of the better films found in Crackle (Canadian Version) are:

88 Minutes
Arlington Road
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Drunken Master
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
High School High
Quarantine
Resident Evil: Degeneration
Revolver

Given that the Canadian version is severely lacking in titles, American PS Home viewers will find a better and bigger selection of movies on their version of Crackle. Lucky!

The PlayStation 3 Retrospective

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 17, 2011 | 21 comments

In case you didn’t know, November 17 , 2006 was a day that made history. It was the day that the PlayStation 3 was released to the world. And that means today marks the PlayStation 3’s fifth birthday.

Let’s take a few minutes to remember and celebrate the events, features, and exclusives that have made the PlayStation 3 the HD/Gaming/Movie-playing success it has become.

Hit the jump to relive the PlayStation 3’s lowest and highest moments.

PSA: PlayStation Network is Down For Maintenance (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 17, 2011 | 122 comments

Now don’t you go freaking out that because you can’t access the PlayStation Network. PSN will be down till approximately 10pm PST, during which the following services will affected:

PlayStation Store on PS3 and PSP.
PlayStation Network Account Management.
PlayStation Network Account Registration.

Most users will still be able to play online games, update their profile and earn game trophies. However, seeing how today marks the PlayStation 3’s fifth anniversary in the US of A, it seems like an odd time to complete maintenance, right Sony? Maybe you should’ve taken PSN down either yesterday or tomorrow. Just saying.

Updated:

Services have now been fully restored.

PlayStation Store Update (11-15-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 15, 2011 | 0 comments

Your weekly PlayStation Store update is now live and ready for consuming with the likes of Red Dead Redemption and the Undead Nightmare Collection being offered for download, where previously, they were only available on Blu-ray disc. Some other note worth content includes:

Red Dead Redemption + Undead Nightmare Bundle (Game + DLC Bundle) – 30% off
LittleBigPlanet 2 LittleBigPlanet 2: Special Edition Demo
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Multiplayer Accessory Pack #1 (KILLZONE) ($1.49)
Need For Speed: The Run – Time Saver ($9.99)

After the jump, the weeks full PlayStation Store update.

Should You Buy ‘Batman: Arkham City?’

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 15, 2011 | 22 comments

Decades of older Batman games forced the titular character in beat-em-up, racing, and arcade-style brawlers, though none of them came close to literally putting players deep into the world of the Dark Knight. The world’s greatest detective and martial artist needed a game that would allow him to use his investgative skills, wits, gadgets, and dangerous fighting styles without having to be shoehorned into tired genre staples.

Thankfully, in 2009, DC had finally broken the curse with Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham Asylum; eventually winning countless game-of-the-year awards and achieving retail success in the process. This success allowed Rocksteady to create perhaps one of the greatest superhero games ever made, and definitely the best game of 2012 with Batman: Arkham City.

Toronto’s PlayStation Lounge Canada Opening Tomorrow

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 12, 2011 | 27 comments

Credit: PlayStation Blog

Located on the upper floor of Toronto’s famous Yonge Street, the PlayStation Lounge Canada will finally open tomorrow, November 13, 2011. It was designed to provide Canadian PlayStation fans a one-stop shop for all gaming needs including PlayStation 3, PSP, and PlayStation Move.

During tomorrow’s opening event, the PSL will be having a number of special guests that Canadian, and American fans should be excited to meet. First is Toronto Maple Leafs’ Luke Schenn. The second is Robert Cogburn, one of Naughty Dog’s Game Designers on the Uncharted game franchise. And finally, Ratchet, from Insomniac’s Ratchet and Clank franchise!

Credit: PlayStation Blog

The first 100 people to the event are set to get autographed Luke Schenn hockey pucks as well as an autographed Nathan Drake scarf courtesy of Naughty Dog.

Credit: PlayStation Blog

PlayStation Lounge Canada Opening Details:
Sunday, November 13, 2011.
2-5 PM
267 Yonge Street, Toronto
Luke Schenn signing 2-3:30 PM / Naughty Dog signing 3:30-5 PM

Need For Speed: The Run – Michael Bay Style

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 11, 2011 | 27 comments

Say what you will about the Transformers films; one thing rings true every time. Michael Bay is an expert at creating action-packed, thrilling action and chase scenes, making each of his films a treat to watch regardless of the plot.

That’s why it was not a surprise when EA Games got Mr. Transformers himself to direct the newest (and most intense) trailer for their upcoming Need for Speed: The Run. Bay’s trailer definitely ups the action scenes and explosions to the max. Showing some of the game’s more thrilling enironments and quick-time events, Bay shows gamers why they really need to get NFS: The Run.

According to the development team, prior to directing the trailer, Michael Bay actually took his time and played the game and also consulted with the developers to get a feel for the desperation and danger Jack faces throughout the game. It definitely shows in the trailer, does it not?

The Run stars Hollywood actor Sean Faris (Never Back Down, King of Fighters) as Jack, a man with everything to lose as he joins a 200-car race that goes from the West to the East Coast of the United States. If he wins, he gets the grand prize worth $25 million. But, if he loses, he dies. This drives Jack to risk his cars and his life in pursuit of the prize and his freedom.

Need for Speed: The Run is coming to North America on November 15, 2011.

Sony Introduces PlayStation Credit Card with PSN Rewards and Points

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 10, 2011 | 9 comments

Sony, in collaboration with Capital One, is introducing a new PlayStation Visa credit card with rewards aimed at the PlayStation gamer in you. The PlayStation credit card works like any other credit card out there, but unlike other cards that have airline and hotel rewards, this card squarely builds up your points so that you can get more gaming out of them. Just how much? With every purchase made on the PlayStation Network (PSN), you will earn 10x points. This includes downloadable games, TV/movies, and rentals. Other ways to earn points include:

3X points on ALL PlayStation and Sony purchases at Sony stores and Sony.com
3X points at quick service restaurants, at movie theaters, and on your mobile phone bill
1X points on ALL other purchases

With your accumulated points, credit card holders will be able to redeem them for PlayStation games, accessories, and PlayStation Network content with other to-be-announced Sony products. Those who sign up will also receive a $50 PSN credit after their first purchase using the PlayStation credit card. With the holiday shopping season upon us and a dedicated gamer in you, this might be a great way to earn back and get a little extra out of your gaming habits and spendings.

Sony Expands PlayStation Suite SDK, Allows for Android and PS Vita Apps

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 10, 2011 | 6 comments

Sony, like others in the industry, knows that the days of pure handheld gaming consoles are numbered and that the PS Vita will likely be Sony’s last foray of a standalone handheld gaming device. With the explosion of smartphones and the public’s distaste for carrying multiple devices as smartphones continue to get more and more powerful, it’s easy to see why the PS Vita will be the last of its kind. However, this doesn’t mean that the PS Vita experience will be lackluster or unsuccessful. Sony realizes that the ever so powerful Vita needs to be more then just a gaming machine; specifically, one that has access to apps and social networks that we are all so connected with.

Regarding the latter, Sony already has covered with a dedicated Facebook, Twitter, and FourSquare app which will launch alongside the Vita for free. Offering these apps, however, is an entirely new endeavor for Sony, but one that they are aggressively pursuing. Starting today, developers running on Windows XP (32bit) and Windows 7 (32 and 64bit) with access to the PlayStation Suite will be able to download a new SDK, based on C# coding that will allow a limited number of apps to be submitted for the closed beta testing. Those developers will have to be in UK, Japan and the United States with apps written in English. Though Sony will be selective about which app gets approved while also using a majority of the submitted apps to better improve the SDK, developers will be happy to know that they won’t actually need access to the PS Vita hardware in order to develop their apps.

Furthermore, these apps will be built on the PlayStation Suite SDK which will be available on the PS Vita, Sony Tablets, Sony Ericsson smartphones and any other Android tablet or smartphone that wishes to take advantage of the PlayStation Suite SDK as Sony has made it an open-ended platform. This is particularly compelling to developers as it will give them access to a far greater market share then just Sony branded machines. With this invasion of Android devices, Sony can now position the PlayStation brand as more then just hardware, but a platform, thus ensuring its position in the gaming market long after the fall of dedicated portable handheld consoles occurs. Well played, Sony, well played.

Fight Night: Champion – First Customizable Game Experiment On PSN

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 9, 2011 | 19 comments

EA Games recently released one of the most interesting game download experiments on PSN. During yesterday’s PSN update, EA Games added Fight Night: Champion Customizable for a low price of $4.99.

Wait? Didn’t Fight Night: Champion just come out? How could it be 5 bucks already? Is it DLC?

Basically, players who purchase Fight Night: Champion Customizable will get the game’s Champion mode. Champion Mode is the very first story-based campaign mode featured in a combat sport game. According to EA Games,

“Inspired by classic boxing movies, Champion Mode allows players to step into the shoes of Andre Bishop, an up-and-coming middleweight contender who learns that the road to becoming a champion in professional boxing is one that is filled with unimaginable highs and brutal lows. Champion Mode tells a story of redemption and perseverance in one of the toughest sports ever imagined.”

Keep in mind when purchasing Fight Night: Champion Customizable that it does not include the Fight Now, Legacy, and Online Play Modes. However, players who find that they liked Champion mode can customize their game experience by going into the in-game store and purchasing the other modes for a certain price.

EA Games says that it’s all about giving players a choice. Some players only prefer to try out the campaign and not even try the online mode. So the company decided to offer the game purchasable a la carte. Players need only purchase game modes that they will play.

A bold downloadable game experiment by EA Games. Will it pay off? Let’s tune in to find out.

EEDAR: 51 Percent of Console Gamers Buy DLC

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 7, 2011 | 19 comments

According to the latest EEDAR (Electronic Entertainment Design and Metrics) report, more than half of game console owners purchased DLC within the last 12 months. The report also said that this 51 percent of game console owners have spent an estimated $875 Million on DLC; and that DLC purchases will surpass $1 billion next year.

Unsurprisingly, privacy was the main concern of the 49 percent of owners that did not buy DLC. And while “Privacy” in the EEDAR report covers too many issues, an analyst working for EEDAR has said that they will break it down more next year.

Other key points from the report are:

Higher broadband speeds as well an increase in marketing (both viral and direct media) drove DLC growth in 2011.

A low percentage of people who don’t buy DLC say that DLC’s are of low quality and a major reason why they don’t buy into it.

No Return Policies, Too expensive, Other free DLC, or No Demo are other reasons people have for not purchasing DLC.

According to EEDAR, overcoming the barriers for entry on DLC’s must be a collaborative effort by publishers, developers, and console manufacturers. Also, converting the 49 percent of consumers that have not yet purchased DLC into active purchasers would generate an extra $600 million revenue growth for the North American game industry.

Kevin Butler Honors Legit_Btness. “Butler Time” (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 6, 2011 | 12 comments

Kevin Butler is back again, and, this time, he’s honoring Legit_Btness, who finally got a kill in Killzone 3. No rage quit here.

PS3 Performance Better Than Xbox 360 Says Game Developers

by Jan Hutchings | Nov 5, 2011 | 0 comments

According to an article on Destructoid, a number of game developers agree that the PlayStation 3 has better system performance than the Xbox 360. Square Enix’s Julian Merceron even says that the PS3 is more powerful technically and that developers need only push their games to get the most out of the system.

“Personally, I’d say that – on PS3 – I believe there are some major improvements that can still be done, taking advantage of parallelisation and using more of the CPU for graphics tasks. At the end of current home Console life cycle, it is very possible consumers might get the feeling PS3 is slightly ahead of Xbox 360 in terms of graphics, but it will only happen if developers dedicate time to really push things on PS3!”

At this point in time, this generation’s console war has the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 tied neck and neck on their processing power and other technical specifications. In some cases, the PlayStation 3 outdoes the 360, and in other cases, the 360 outdoes the PS3.

And while many of the developers agree to this, some have also said that the extra year that the PlayStation 3 took for development has paid off as many of the later games are starting to look much better on the PS3 as compared to the 360. Case in point: Final Fantasy XIII; the PS3 version looked better graphically and performed well as compared to the Xbox 360 version.

Team Ninja’s Yosuke Hayashi mentioned that because the PS3 took that extra year for development, and arriving later than its rival, it wins out in performance, albeit just slightly.

Sony Reduces “Game Sharing” Numbers on PS3, PSP, and PS Vita (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 4, 2011 | 4 comments

Sony and the PlayStation team today ruffled the feathers of gamers out there by announcing a new game-sharing policy. Previously, games purchased on the PlayStation Network (PSN) were downloadable on up to five machines of your choice. This was a mix of PlayStation 3 consoles and PSP units. Realistically though, most people use PSN on their PS3 units and not PSP, thus allowing them to share games like Warhawk, God of War, and LittleBigPlanet with friends by logging onto their console and downloading the title again. Now, Sony is reducing the number of devices that you content can be downloaded upon.

Any content that is purchased after November 18th will be limited to being downloaded on two PS3s and two PSP units. It is unclear at this time if the upcoming PS Vita is under the PSP title or if the Vita will again receive an additional two downloads. Sony also stressed that all current content will still be able to abide to the five machine rule.

For game content purchased after November 18, 2011, a new policy will apply and the number of devices that can be activated will be as follows:

PS3: Users will be able to play the game on up to 2 activated PS3 systems.

PSP: Users will be able to play the game on up to 2 activated PSP systems.

Please note that this update will not affect game content purchased before November 18. The PSP rights include PSP-1000/2000/3000 series as well as the PSPgo system.

One problem that has arrived for gamers in the past, even with the five machine rule, is that the only way to deactivate your account from a PS3 unit is to log into account management from that given machine. This tends to be problematic if your machine has died or if you’ve sold your machine and are unable to access it. Sony has commented that, in the near future, there will be a web portable for your PSN account management where users will be able to deactivate a machine without having to actually access it. Personally, this is a feature I’ve longed for, and it’s something that you’ve been able to do with your iTunes account for years.

We are also working on a new PSN account management website, where users will be able to deactivate their devices at once.

This news comes at a time where not only has Apple kept their five download policy, but via their new and free iCloud system, users can set up for automatic downloading where purchased items are automatically downloaded across all of your devices.