PlayStation

PlayStation 3 to Support 4K Resolution Pictures

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 6, 2011 | 0

According to Sony, in a future update, their flagship gaming console, the PlayStation 3 will be able to display and output pictures with a 4k resolution. The update which is aimed for sometime in early 2012 will mean that those who are shooting high resolution pictures with their digital cameras and have a higher end projector (seeing how all LCD televisions are capped at 1080p or 1920 x 1080) will be able to playback their photos and view them in all their glory. Could this update also hint at higher end, 4k resolution video playback as well? With the power of the multicore Cell processor inside of the PS3, one can only imagine.

[Via Engadget]

The PS Vita Box Art And Launch Apps

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 5, 2011 | 0

Sony Europe recently released the final box art design for the PlayStation Vita when it releases next year. The overall design and color for the PS Vita Box Art looks very pleasing to the eyes, and Sony’s definitely putting the light and dark blue colors associated to the Vita to good use.

According to the company, both the 3G and the Wi-fi SKU’s will use the same box design.

Hit the jump to find out what Vita’s launch day apps are going to be.

Sony Brings PlayStation Characters to Life With a New Promo (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2011 | 2

Following up their teaser video for Long Live Play, Sony has released a new video which brings the teaser full circle while revealing some beloved gaming characters. The new video which is meant to promote gaming on the PlayStation 3, after the recent price drop to $249 shows a handful of iconic gaming characters, many which are exclusive to Sony and the PlayStation 3. Previously, we’d shown you the teaser and given you a step by step guide to all the hidden easter eggs.

After the jump, the full video awaits you.

Quantic Dream Would Be Tempted To Be Part Of Sony Family

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 5, 2011 | 0

Quantic Dream has been a Sony exclusive developer for a few years now, with their latest Heavy Rain selling millions to become one of the most sought-after and innovative games of this generation. Given their exclusivity deal, it only makes sense for Sony to aquire the independent development studio in order to legitimize their “Only on PlayStation” brand.

Quantic Dream is actually working on a different IP than Heavy Rain right now. In a recent interview with Develop-Online, David Cage, founder of the company has said that they are making:

“something exciting, something different. Hopefully it will build on the foundations of Heavy Rain, but go forward in a very, very, different way.”

He also mentioned that if Sony decides that they would like to acquire the development studio, that he would welcome the chance to be part of the PlayStation family. He (and his company) has a great working relationship with Sony and has placed their loyalty to the PlayStation Brand.

“Of course I would. Of course. I really like Sony, honestly I do. They’ve made some bets with developers like Fumito Ueda and Media Molecule. I kind of feel loyal to them.”

Given Sony’s recent acquisitions of developers Sucker Punch and Media Molecule, wouldn’t it be a big coup for the company to add Quantic Dream to their stable of AAA talent development studios?

PlayStation Store Update (10-04-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 4, 2011 | 0

Due to the iPhone 4S announcement, I’m a little late on this but here is this weeks, pre Siri PlayStation Store Update which introduces a new program from Sony called Only on PSN. This new service will bringing 8 exclusive titles throughout the month of October to PSN and will reward you with $10 back when you spend at least $60 in the store. Your $60 can be spent on on games, movies, avatars, PlayStation Home items and even PlayStation Plus subscriptions. Some note worth highlights from this weeks update includes:

Crysis ($19.99)
Final Fantasy Xiii-2 2011 TGS Trailer
CHRONO TRIGGER ($9.99)
Qore Episode 41 – October Early Access

After the jump, the full store update awaits you.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – Valve Interview

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 4, 2011 | 1

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – Valve Interview

Valve is hard at work at creating the newest game in its ultra-popular multiplayer franchise. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the fourth game in the CS franchise and one that is supported by the many Counter-Strike councils and the community. Global Offensive is a downloadable title that will be available for PC, and for the first time, the PlayStation 3 in 2012.

For the last 12 years, Counter-Strike has been at the forefront of FPS gaming mod communities as well as gaming tournament worldwide. What started out as a mod by two guys, became a sensation, a game that was played by religiously by many even more than a decade after it’s release.

I had a chance to talk with Ido Magal , Project Lead and Chet Faliszek, Writer at Valve Corporation to discuss details about Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Hit the jump for the full interview and gameplay teaser trailer.

PS2 Games Coming To The PSN

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 4, 2011 | 5

For a while now, SONY has been steadily releasing PSOne classics to the PlayStation Network. PlayStation fans however, have been asking for a different batch of back catalog titles to be released on the network; PlayStation 2 games.

Well it seems like the company has finally answered gamers’ requests and is readying the first batch of PS2 games on the PSN. SONY announced earlier today that they have plans to make PS2 games available via digital download later this week.

Hit the jump for the list of PS2 games coming to the PlayStation Network.

Uncharted 3 Multiplayer To Require PSN Pass

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 2, 2011 | 0

It's a solo experience without a PSN Pass

According to Sony, the upcoming Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception will employ the company’s online pass system. This means that only new copies of the game will have a one-time use code (redeemable on PSN) so that the player can experience the online features much like the recent Resistance 3.

Players who purchase the game used will have to pony up some cash – $10 to be exact – to purchase the PSN Pass from the PlayStation Network.

Sony has said that this move towards the use of PSN Passes is one of the ways the company is fighting against piracy. It doesn’t hurt that the move also puts money back into the hands of the publisher and developer instead of retailers who re-sell used copies of the game for profit.

It looks like the PSN Pass is here to stay so expect more Sony internal studio-developed games to have the online pass in the future.

DISCUSS:

Do you think the PSN Pass is a good business move for Sony?
Do you think it will help or hamper Uncharted 3 sales this holiday season?

PS Vita Can Connect With PSP Via Ad-hoc Mode

by Jan Hutchings | Sep 30, 2011 | 0

Sony has recently revealed that the Playstation Vita and its cousin, the PSP, can communicate together and play games via the ad-hoc mode, which is a feature that’s available for most all multiplayer PSP games.

When playing PSP games on the Vita, most players can still play with their friends who still use PSP’s using ad-hoc. This means most people who still play Monster Hunter on the PSP (like myself) can still play with other people when upgrading to the Vita.

While it is a bit hard to find other people to play with using the regular ad-hoc mode, since not everyone has a PSP, Sony has been generous enough to release its Ad-hoc Party software for the PS3. This program allows anyone with a PSP to play with other people (on games like Monster Hunter) online as if they were playing it on infrastructure mode.

There has been no word from Sony regarding PS Vita Ad-hoc Party support. Stay tuned for more news on this.

Chrono Trigger Coming to PSN Next Week

by Jan Hutchings | Sep 30, 2011 | 0

According to a post on the PlayStation Blog earlier today, the much-anticipated Square Enix classic RPG Chrono Trigger is coming to the PlayStation Network on the next update this coming Tuesday.

This role-playing classic first gained popularity when it was released on the Super Nintendo almost 16 years ago. Chrono Trigger featured one of the funniest and most unique cast of characters ever assembled. The game saw a release on the original PlayStation as part of the 2-disc Final Fantasy Chronicles Collection in 2001.

Hit the jump for more info on the classic RPG coming to PSN.

PlayStation Video Unlimited Overview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 30, 2011 | 0

Sony recently released a new app for the PlayStation 3 dubbed Video Unlimited. This app is currently available for PlayStation Plus members as a preview window while the rest of the PS3 community can also get it for free come October 11th. For those looking to dig deeper in the apps functionality and features, we put together a video overview for you where we start with the basics of finding the app in the PlayStation Store to the overall offerings and user interface.

Discuss:

Do you like the feel of the new Video Unlimited app and could you see the rest of the PlayStation Store picking up similar UI touches?

I Am Alive Coming To The PSN in 2011

by Jan Hutchings | Sep 29, 2011 | 0

Remember Ubisoft’s really cool, yet really abrupt game teaser from E3 2008? The one where a number of men fought for one bottle of water? The title was I Am Alive, a surivival game that disappeared into obscurity after its initial tease.

Well it looks like the game survived, and will be coming this winter to the PlayStation Network as a downloadable title. I Am Alive tells the story of a regular every-man who is caught in the middle of a catastrophic natural disaster.

Hit the jump for more information about I Am Alive.

PlayStation Store Update (09-27-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 28, 2011 | 0

Another week and another PlayStation Store Update for your consuming habits. Besides the release of the Video Unlimited Preview app for PS+ members, other goodies this week include:

Dead Nation Road of Devastation ($3.99)
Resident Evil Code Veronica X Hd ($19.99)
God of War: Origins Collection PSP vs. PS3 Trailer

Also, how about an Uncharted blowout bonanza for PlayStation Plus members for free!

Free for PlayStation Plus Members:

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Dynamic Theme
Free Avatars:

UNCHARTED 2 Among Thieves Nathan Drake Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Avatar Pack 1
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Avatar Pack 2
UNCHARTED Avatar Pack 3
UNCHARTED Avatar Pack 4
UNCHARTED Avatar Pack 5
UNCHARTED Avatar Pack 6
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Chloe Frazier
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Doughnut Drake Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Doughnut Lazarevic Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Elena Fisher Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Genghis Kahn Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Glowzor Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Harry Flynn Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Jeff Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Karl Schafer
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Lieutenant Draza
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Marco Polo Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Phurba Dagger Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Platzor Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Skelzor Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Tenzin Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Tetram Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Victor Sullivan
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Zoran Lazarevic Avatar
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Zorskel Avatar
UNCHARTED Drake’s Fortune Atoq Navarro Avatar
UNCHARTED Drake’s Fortune Eddie Raja Avatar
UNCHARTED Drake’s Fortune Elena Fisher Avatar
UNCHARTED Drake’s Fortune Gabriel Roman Avatar
UNCHARTED Drake’s Fortune Javier Avatar
UNCHARTED Drake’s Fortune Nathan Drake Avatar
UNCHARTED Eye of Indra Daniel Pinkerton Avatar
UNCHARTED Eye of Indra Rika Raja Avatar

Free Motion Comics:

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Eye of Indra 1 – 4 Bundle
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Eye of Indra 2
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Eye of Indra 3
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Eye of Indra 4

Free Add-Ons:

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Pack
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Golden Weapons
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves PlayStation Heroes Pack
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Sidekick Skin Pack
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Siege Expansion Pack

Holy crap is all I can say for Uncharted fans and PlayStation Plus members. You can find the entire updated list after the jump.

Journey Coming To PS3 Next Spring

by Jan Hutchings | Sep 28, 2011 | 0

Jenova Chen, the co-founder of Thatgamecompany wrote on the PlayStation Blog earlier today where he announced that Journey will be available for purchase next spring.

According to Chen, Journey’s recent closed beta had been a “great success” and that since the beta did really well, they can now confidently announce that the game will be out in the spring of 2012.

“For the past few months, we kept getting asked about Journey’s release date.” Chen noted, “fortunately, the online beta went very well, and our continued playtests have given us great feedback on the work we have left to complete. While there is still a ton of care and polish needed, we can’t wait to finally deliver Journey, TGC’s take on an online adventure game.”

In Journey, players take control of a robed figure as he/she traverses a dream-like world where the only real goal is to get to a towering mountain in the distance. Players can meet other journeymen/women online, and can help each other out in their quest, however players will not be able to converse with each other and the only way to communicate is through a soundless shout to one another.

Video Unlimited Preview Heads to PlayStation 3 (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 27, 2011 | 0

Media junkies are in for some good news today. The PlayStation 3, which currently houses the largest avenues of media access with services like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and NFL Sunday Night Ticket, is getting an upgrade from Sony. The new service, which will be available for download later today for PlayStation Plus members (US & Canada) and available to all PlayStation 3 owners on October 11th, will be a free app under the title of Video Unlimited Preview. This new and free app is designed to make browsing the more than 40,000 movies and TV episodes on the PlayStation Video Store even easier.

[viddler id-c8ce3cad h-370 w-437]

PS3 owners will still be able to access the original PlayStation Video Store as they normally would. However, those who choose to utilize the Video Unlimited Preview app will be greeted with an all-new interface, designed to put the content you want, front and center. The all new UI is also powered by Gracenote, which will then give you other similar titles and related movies, creating an endless discovery experience, similar to when browsing IMDB or the iTunes video section. The new UI also features “tumbler search technology,” which ends the pop-up keyboard and, instead, relies on you to scroll vertically through the alphabet. This new enhancement again taps into the Gracenote’s database, allowing you to search by title, actor, director or tag while the system attempts to autocomplete your search. An example would be to type in MAT and the system will automatically give you options like Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, and Matrix Revolutions.

This new interface is expected to make it to other Sony products in the future which also use Video Unlimited, like Sony Blu-ray players.