PlayStation 3

Exclusive: Naughty Dog in Talks with Neil Burger and Sony Pictures Over ‘Uncharted’ Movie

by Allegra Osati | Jul 28, 2011 | 9 comments

By now, you should be aware that David O. Russell, the original director who was attached to the ‘Uncharted’ movie, has stepped down. In his place, Sony Pictures has brought on Limitless director Neil Burger to head the project. Much to the fans’ dismay, David Russell had decided to incorporate a family thief adventure story as the plot, throwing out many of the staples of the PlayStation 3 exclusive game made by Naughty Dog. During the year-long period when Mr. Russell was attached to the project, there was a lot of back-and-forth information whether Naughty Dog was actually involved with the project in any capacity. Despite Naughty Dog claiming to be in the loop, it soon seemed that their information never matched with the reality of the project.

Now with Neil Burger on the helm, and a return to the writing room with a new script for the film, it seems that the creative team at Naughty Dog is one step closer to the production team at Sony Pictures. After the Naughty Dog Comic-Con panel, which the game’s stars Nolan North, Emily Rose, and Richard McGonagle attended, we had a quick chat with the game’s creative director, Amy Henning. During that chat, we learned that Amy soon had to be off to a meeting with film executives and when pressed for more information, she revealed to us that she was headed to meet with Neil Burger. Beyond that, we don’t have details of the meeting itself, but for game fans, this should be a good sign that the team behind the Uncharted game is meeting with the creative team and head during the movie’s infancy stage, which has promised to be closer to the game’s source material. Now we can only hope that the two teams from Sony’s different divisions continue to be communicating long into the film’s production.

“Twisted Metal” Comic-Con Footage Far From Complete

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 27, 2011 | 6 comments

During Comic-Con 2011, we had the pleasure of attending the Twisted Metal panel where the always open and outspoken David Jaffe was set to present footage and gameplay material. With a Dualshock controller in hand, Mr. Jaffe spent the better part of the hour-long panel cycling through different game modes where fans got to see the different weapons, environments and depth of gameplay that Twisted Metal will be offering. As long-time fans of the series know, there is a lot more to Twisted Metal than just cars and explosions if you want there to be, but that in itself is a different conversation that we will later address in our interview with David. Part of the depth of the Twisted Metal series has long been in its rock horror inspired stories. As the title suggests, there is plenty of metal music throughout the game and even more dark horrors to be found within the storyline of this world. In my mind, I almost see the world as a dark take on The Running Man with cars. To further illustrate the storyline that would begin to unfold in the opening intro video, Jaffe showed the crowd a video sequence that would set the story in motion. Previous to the airing of the footage, David explained to the audience that the footage and game itself was far from over. Specifically in this case, the intro video contains some nearly-finished material while other parts of it are far less-completed.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Comic-Con if somebody didn’t record the footage from the videos shown and release the shaky footage on YouTube. on that note, as David stated before the panel and reiterated it to us again when we contacted him, the footage is not complete and not a proper showcase of the final product.

Depending on the shot it’s 60-95% complete. Taken as a whole, I’m thinking the whole intro movie is at 80-85% completion.

So although it’s not our place to tell you what to view or not view, I would recommend to all Twisted Metal fans who have yet to see the footage to wait for the final product, while to those who have seen it should keep in mind that the previewed metal horror intro video is not a true representation of the final product.

Uncharted 3 Beta 1.02 Patch Now Live (update 1.03 now live)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 6, 2011 | 19 comments

Uncharted 3 began a public beta just over a week ago for PlayStation Plus members and it became available to all PlayStation 3 users yesterday. The highly anticipated game from Naughty Dog is looking to expand on Uncharted 2’s multiplayer by giving users more options, maps and playing styles. Now with the multiplayer beta out for a week, the team is looking to bring some user requested changes with the Beta ~~1.02~~ 1.03 patch like allowing the game to upscale to 1080i (the game runs natively at 720p) for those who own older HD sets with no 720p. Facebook functionality is now fully intergrated as well, allowing players to use their PS3 linked Facebook accounts to view the online status of their Facebook friends, send invites, and join parties. You can also expect plenty of bug fixes as well like when the PS3 would force restart at particular times.

Hit the jump for the full list of bug fixes, as well as additional enhancements.

Full 3D Game List on the PlayStation 3 (Stereoscopic 3D on PS3)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 6, 2011 | 25 comments

3D continues to be a technology that evolves daily, with electronic companies tweaking the platform to make it more vibrant and easier to use. Sony alone now offers over 16 Bravia 3D televisions, multiple camera and camcorders with 3D, with the Bloggie 3D starting at only $249. Of course, the technology side is only half the battle, for you can have the most advanced technological offering for consumers, but without content, it wont mean much. Sony knows this and has made 3D offering a top priority for the companies game and movie studios. With nearly 52 million PlayStation 3’s in the wild and the ability for the device to play both 3D Blu-ray movies and 3D Blu-ray games (as well as 3D PSN titles), Sony knows that the PS3 is a sure way to garner attention for the evolving format.

After the jump, we have the full list of 3D PlayStation 3 games currently available.

PS3 System Software Update Version 3.66 is Now Live

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 23, 2011 | 0 comments

Hey everybody, the small PS3 system software update version 3.66 is now available for download. Unlike the previous version, this one is mandatory but really should only take you a few minutes to complete. Sony states that the new PlayStation software update will:

With this minor update, system stability during use of PS3 format software and network services has been improved.

If you notice any other changes, let us know in the comments section below.

Sony Releases New PS3 in Japan. PS3: Slim-er

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 20, 2011 | 2 comments

Those who were expecting a new PlayStation 3 or a price drop at this year’s E3 might have left a little disappointed, but the folks over in Japan will now have something to smile about. Sony Electronics of Japan is releasing a brand new 320GB PlayStation 3 (CECH-3000B) system for Japan, which, from the outside, appears the same as the recent PlayStation 3 Slim. However, upon further inspection, new owners will note that the unit weighs in at 5.7 pounds, as opposed to the previous Slim which came in at 6.6 pounds. Besides weighing less, the new PS3 Slim also uses less energy as well, reducing power consumption to 200W, versus the previous 230W. No reports yet if this model will make way to the United States but we can’t imagine Sony wanting to make many different variations of the PS3 so a Holiday release of this model shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, don’t expect a huge fanfare behind it since, for most people, it will still be the same PS3.

[Via PlayStation Japan]

Kevin Butler PS3 Commercial “inFAMOUS 2”

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 19, 2011 | 24 comments

If you’ve been wanting some more KB spice in your life, then here is the man himself, this time out to promote the PlayStation 3 exclusive, inFamous 2.

Somebody didn’t get the memo that superheroes don’t need capes and tights anymore.

Buy: inFAMOUS 2 Hero Edition $94.99

Buy: inFAMOUS $24.94

Sony Discusses ‘Cross Game Chat’ for the PS3 and PS Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 13, 2011 | 5 comments

Over the last several years, gamers and tech buffs alike have seen the PlayStation 3 drastically change and improve for the better via firmware updates. Partly due to customer requests and partly via a roadmap, the PlayStation 3, once with little video offering, now offers Vudu, Netflix, and Hulu support prior to other consoles and even has Sony’s own purchase and rental space via the PlayStation Store. Speaking of the Store: Once a barren HTML design, the PlayStation Store now offers a much more functional design with access to games, movies, themes, demos and more which can also be taken on the PSP and the soon-to-be-released PS Vita. We’ve also seen new photo and video apps, as well as support for 3D games and movies. Heck, you can even create a download queue and tell your PS3 to finish downloading the list, install the items and turn itself off. PlayStation Plus members can set up their PS3 to turn on during a scheduled time slot, check for game updates, and install the content all without being near the console. However, the feature that many gamers consider to be the holy grail of offerings, ‘Cross Game Chat,’ has yet to make it to the PS3 via a firmware update.

Then came this past week’s E3 conference, which we were able to attend and live blog from. During the further reveal of the PS Vita (NGP) and the games, features and prices that would accompany the system for a holiday 2011 launch in the US, Sony also mentioned that the Vita would be gaining Cross Game Chat. Cross Game Chat would give Vita players the ability to talk with other PSN friends, no matter which game they are playing. However, later on during an interview with CVG, SCE Europe boss Andrew House revealed that there is still no news for the PlayStation 3.

“No, [there are] really not any new announcements to put on that,” he said. “We know that it’s a huge thing out there. We have continued to do much R&D in the area, but we don’t have anything to announce right now.”

For PlayStation fans, this is a bit of a mixed bag. With nearly 50 million PlayStation 3s on the market, the ability to have cross game chat would be welcoming to say the least. However, it’s at least nice to see Sony embrace the technology for their upcoming handheld and make sure that the Vita offers a ton of features that players want. With no other handheld gaming device being able to offer such a feature, this will give the Vita another vote of confidence from gamers. Still, this might make some gamers scratch their head as they wonder why a console as powerful and versatile as the PlayStation 3 still does not offer Cross Game Chat.

As with all things internet-related, people tend to make wild and crazy accusations as to why Sony doesn’t offer it, with a popular reasoning being that they don’t listen to their fans, as if the whole process was as simple as clicking on a check box which enables the feature. I, however, have a better one. During CES 2011, I had a chance to chat with many higher-up employees of PlayStation and seeing how I was not officially interviewing them, I won’t be mentioning any names. However, during my lengthy conversations with them, it was apparent that they were very much aware of the situation and had internally run into a roadblock. That is to say that while the PS3 was being designed in Japan, cross game chat was never taken into consideration as a necessary feature, which makes sense considering the fact that Japan is much more interested in the single-player experience while we in the West tend to love the multiplayer offering. If this is indeed true, the fact that the right hardware for the task is not present in the system could very well explain why Sony hasn’t been able to properly implement the feature.

I must say that, personally, Cross Game Chat is not a feature that interests me. If I’m playing a single player game like Uncharted, frankly, I don’t care to talk to anybody else, seeing how I will be focused on that game with its rich plot and dialogue. And if I’m playing Killzone 3 or SOCOM 4, for instance, you can bet that I definitely don’t care what my friend has to say when he is playing Gran Turismo 5, seeing how I’ll be focused on talking with my teammates. How about you? Is Cross Game Chat really that important of a feature for you or is it something that’s been hyped up too much?

[Via CGV]

New Optional PS3 System Software Update Version 3.65 Now Available

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 7, 2011 | 12 comments

Sony has just released a new and optional PS3 firmware 3.65 update into the wild. This small update

improves the operating stability of some PS3 format software, and changes the XMB item SaveData Utility (minis) to [SaveData Utility(minis/PSP)]

Let us know if you’ve downloaded and if so, have you noticed any other changes besides the ones listed above?

Meet the PlayStation 3 Portable, a Water-cooled Laptop

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 1, 2011 | 3 comments

What do you do if you want to take your ultimate gaming machine with you everywhere, you have a thing for taking computers apart and you know a thing or two about software? You built a custom PlayStation 3 laptop of course which of course would be water-cooled because anything else would just be too easy. After nearly three years of designing and testing, Ben from PS3Hax has created the ultimate mobile PlayStation 3. Better yet, this puppy isn’t just portable and water-cooled, but also offers the following upgrades and features:

Water cooled with easy accessible reservoir
HD: 720p/1080i screen (via HDMI)
4x USB
500 gb HDD
External PSU
Built in keyboard
Built in speakers with volume controls with 2.5mm headphone jack.
The stock PS3 was a 40gb SKU (there was no PS3 slim when I started the project).
Dimensions are 16.75”x13”x2.5” (16.75”x13”x3.5”with lid closed)
Weighs ~15lbs.

Coming in at 15lbs though, it might not be something you will take to the office or school but sure beats lugging out your television and additional accessories when you go to your next LAN party. And if this is something that interests you, look no further then eBay as Ben is looking to sell the machine to help pay for his servers while the rest of the proceeds will go towards the tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri.

Hit the jump for some additional pictures, as well as video of the machine in action with some epic music. Is a portable PS3 something you would ever desire? Or better yet, have you ever put anything together like this before? We want to hear your thoughts.

[Via PS3Hax]

[Bid on eBay]

PlayStation Move to come to PSP Go or NGP?

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 1, 2011 | 1 comment

If the patent office is an indication to go by to see where a company will be headed in the future, then look no further to Sony’s 2009 filing. The patent which specially points to the PSP Go would allow the handheld system to gain PlayStation Move compatiblity via a dock. Those who own Move for the PS3 will note that you need a camera to make the motion gaming add-on work and that’s exactly what this dock would have offered. A built-in camera in the top center of the dock would much like the PlayStation Eye track the Move controllers, allowing users further freedom and interaction with their PSP Go.

But seeing how the NGP is around the corner and we expect plenty of news on the device at E3 next week, we doubt that Sony would suddenly release such an accessory for the PSP Go, seeing how they have slowed down production for the unit. However, a device like this could further add a special touch the NGP. In fact, seeing how the NGP has a front and rear facing camera, chances are that an implementation of this could be done, without the need of an additional dock like the above patents shows.

“Methods, systems, and computer programs for wireless interaction with a portable device supported by a stand are presented. In one method operation, a communications link is established between the portable device and the stand. The stand tracks the motion of an input device within an interactivity zone. In another method operation, the portable device interfaces with the input device to generate actions associated with game objects in the portable device, where the interface takes place when the input device is in or near the interactivity zone. Additionally, the stand moves when the tracking detects that the input device is outside predefined boundaries near an edge of the interactivity zone. The stand movement information is transferred via the communications link to update the location of the interactivity zone.”

Seeing how one of Sony’s goals has been to create a seamless gaming experience between the NGP and PS3, allowing users to start gaming on one device and continue it on the next as Hideo Kojima has pointed out, using the PlayStation Move could be further prove of concept for such a vision.

Hit the jump for one more picture from this patent. While you are there, let us know what you think about this accessory. Would it be something that you would want to purchase for your PSP or NGP? How about if it was built in?

[Via Free Patents Online]

Hyperkin’s PS3 Remotext Combines QWERTY, Blu-ray Controls and D-Pad

by Sohrab Osati | May 24, 2011 | 3 comments

When gamers sit down and I’ve been guilty of this myself, we sometimes tend to surround ourselves with a slew of gadgets to enrich our experience. A Dualshock 3 controller to game with, a bluetooth headset to talk with and a keyboard to chat online with. Sometimes, even that Blu-ray remote will sneak into that pile as well. Now, the folks at Hyperkin are looking to change this experience with the Hyperkin’s Remotext for PS3. This multifunction remote offers gamers two analog nubs with a near-complete set of gaming controls, a QWERTY keypad, and a slide-out Blu-ray remote panel. Though not bluetooth enabled, you will find a USB receiver in the box, as well as a pair of rechargeable AA batteries. We don’t have a price or release date to report but the guys at Hyperkin’s will be officially showcasing the hybrid remote at E3.

As always, hit the jump for the official press release. While there, what do you guys think about the remote? Do you like devices like this or prefer a more individual setup with separate keyboard and remote?

PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter Unboxing (video)

by Sohrab Osati | May 19, 2011 | 17 comments

I know we are more then a little late but it took me over two months to get my order fulfilled by Amazon, seeing how as they were sold out in every retail store that I visited. After that, even thought our video unboxing was filmed, it’s been sitting in my editing cue for the past month but alas, I’ve finished. Bellow is a video unboxing of the PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter. Besides seeing what’s inside the box, I go over some tips on how to properly place your Move controllers inside and a list of games that are compatible. Those looking to purchase one will note that you can place an order on Amazon who has them in stock with no sales tax!

First Look At Madden 12

by Jesse Fogarty | May 11, 2011 | 25 comments

When you mention football NFL fans have the tendency to cringe at the thought of the lockout continuing for the whole season – when you mention Madden, NFL fans should smile amidst the bountiful improvements implemented in the upcoming 18th installment to the Madden series (not counting the previous John Madden versions). In Madden 12, EA has taken a new approach in development – focusing more on improvements to the games current features, with a new few additions here and there to provide a more realistic experience for users.

Some of the improvements are updated small features that seem so miniscule that it’s safe to say most wont notice a change in a 15 minute game. When users do have a nice hour to sit down and enjoy a game – they’ll notice that they are now unable to zoom in freely as they used to. Cameramen now have a more realistic feel, forcing users to obey rules that cameramen in the NFL have to obey when taping the players and the games.

Speaking of more realistic things, the NFL cameramen were created using motion captured so that users can pick up the smallest of actions; such as how a cameramen tries to limit their breathing to keep still. Along with the many improvements to the camera, EA has also implemented a much updated to team jerseys, making them a whole lot “Sexier”, as well as shrinking the ball size for a more realistic feel.

Last year EA introduced a new feature called “Game Flow” which provided a choice of plays for the user, based on their team, which received a fair amount of criticism due to the lack of customization. Of course EA knew this had to be fixed, so they added a Game Flow enhancement to Madden 12. Users can now rate their plays, allowing Game Flow to recognize the users favorite plays.

EA also made some desperately needed changes to the Tackle Mechanics. In previous versions, users would lose control of their selected players 2-3 yards before the collision, lining up for a hit, and delivering. With the new improvements, users now have full control over their players, with collisions starting when the players are in front of one another, and not 2-3 yards in advance.

Finally, EA has thoroughly worked on their environment mechanics, providing a HUGE realistic boost. For example, if your team is on the West Coast and is going to play an East Coast game, be prepared for the time change, weather change, and different fan enthusiasm.

Keep in mind that this was just the first of many Madden 12 presentations. This time around, EA is going with the “staggered” news approach, the kind that worked well with Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. Users you can be sure that I’ll have more news on the game as the release date (August 30) nears.

Reminder, Even with PSN Down, Netflix and VUDU Still Work on your PS3

by Sohrab Osati | May 4, 2011 | 40 comments

It goes without saying that the last two weeks have been a trying time for PlayStation fans and employees alike who we sometimes we forget are really taking the short end of the stick. Not only is their service down too, but they are getting the brunt of the frustration for an event that is not in their hands to control. I figured this was as good as anytime to point out like the previous article we ran that while PSN is down, your PlayStation 3 still has plenty to offer and entertain you with. Our previous article was mainly pointing out the PS3’s offline functionalities like Blu-ray movies, photos, and single player games. So what about those of you who want some more media via the web? Well I can indeed report that both Netflix and VUDU still function 100% without PSN. Though they will ask you to log into your PSN account, you can actually bypass that and enjoy the full offering from both services as they are not tied to PSN in any shape. All you need is a internet connection like before.