Tag Archives: Video games

Zipper Interactive is back with SOCOM 4

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One of the most beloved video game franchises is making its way back onto the PlayStation 3 this year.  After creating MAG, a PS3 exclusive multiplayer-only shooter, Zipper Interactive is going back to its roots and bringing the masses the next installment of SOCOM.  SOCOM: Confrontation, the first game in the series to hit the PS3, was developed by SlantSix and did not fare well with SOCOM players coming from the PS2 due to lag issues, among other problems.  Original developer Zipper Interactive plans to bring a solid single player experience to SOCOM 4, in addition to the obligatory multiplayer game it’s well known for.  Though not a ton of details were let loose by the devs, they made it clear that this go around the SOCOM experience will be inviting and very much accessible to newcomers of the franchise.  IGN sat down with Zipper and got the scoop on the single player campaign.  Besides revealing basics like support for up to 32 players and a promise for “an all new experience,” nothing else was spilled about the SOCOM 4 multiplayer aspect.  Although I personally feel SOCOM never felt the same after SOCOM II on the PS2 (that online experience was incredible!), with the promise of a hardcore single player feature and the multiplayer experience we’ve come to know and love, I still have faith in Zipper Interactive to create a handsome, solid SOCOM game for its allegient fanbase.  Initial screenshots in the gallery below.

[Via IGN]

Happy 10th Anniversary, PlayStation 2

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Can you believe it’s been a whole ten years since PlayStation 2 reinvented the video game console on March 4, 2000?  For many it was their first DVD players, for others it brought sheer pleasure with games like God of War, Guitar Hero, SOCOM, Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Gran Turismo 4, Devil May Cry 3, and Grand Theft Auto III.  It was the PS2 that officially knocked Nintendo off his high horse, introducing video playback and the desire for better, high-end graphics for immersive games.  The legacy of PS2 will live on in our nostolgic hearts and minds.  Check out this timeline (if you haven’t already) that Sony put together in celebration of 15 years of PlayStation.

PlayStation Network error is corrupting ‘fat’ PS3s everywhere [UPDATE: FIXED]

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Late last night Error: 8001050F hit PlayStation 3’s ’round the world.  At first it simply did not allow PS3 users to log into their PlayStation Network accounts and play games online.  Since then things have taken a turn for the worse.  Apparently this error is turning back the console’s clock to January 1, 2000 causing major problems like data loss.  Sony has figured out that the error is only affecting ‘fat’ PS3 models; all PS3 Slim models should be in the clear.  In the meantime, if you own a ‘fat’ PS3, Sony is recommending its customers: DO NOT TURN IT ON until the error is fixed.  Sony “hope[s] to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours.”  Look after the break for official details on the matter straight from PlayStation Blog.

Check back for updates; I’ll be sure to let you know when Sony tells us it’s safe to start gaming and Blu-ray-ing again.  What a disaster.

UPDATE: According to the official PlayStation Blog the PSN bug has been squashed.  They say it’s safe to turn on “phat PS3s” now.  Joystiq spoke to a Sony rep; check out the short Q&A if you are concerned with lost trophy data and the like.  Cue sigh of relief.

[Via PlayStationBlog]

Continue reading PlayStation Network error is corrupting ‘fat’ PS3s everywhere [UPDATE: FIXED] →

PS3 Slim gets the chrome treatment

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ps3_xcm_chrome_casemod

After going gold, it’s only proper for the Playstation 3 Slim to receive the chrome treatment.  The XCM Cyberchrome case is not a cover, it’s a complete shell casing that fits over the Slim’s body.  It’s on sale at TotalConsole for $79.99 if you’re looking to get your PS3 a-shinin’.

[Via Technabob; Gizmodo]

Nintendo DSi uses camera & motion tracking to produce a 3D image

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Finally, the Nintendo DSi’s camera is being put to exciting use.  An upcoming Japanese-only game called Rittai Kakushi e Attakoreda will utilize the DSi’s (inner) camera and motion tracking software to follow your eyes and create a 3D illusion that you are looking behind or in front of certain objects in the virtual world.  The tech being used here is not so different from Johnny Chung Lee’s Wii head-tracking experiments.  Watch the demo above and it’ll all make sense.  Magical, isn’t it?

[Via BoingBoing; Gizmodo; Nintendo Japan]

Nintendo DSi XL coming March 28; plus 100 Classic Book Collection

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We’ve heard about the specs and now we’ve got the launch info.  Nintendo DSi XL, the next iteration of the Nintendo DS, will be made available for purchase on March 28 for $189.99.  That’s $20 more than the current Nintendo DSi that’s been out for some time now.  Initially the XL will sell in two color varients, burgundy and bronze.  The handheld will come preloaded with two DSiWare Brain Age games, Photo Clock, the DSi Browser, and Flipnote Studio.  If you already own a Nintendo DSi I cannot come up with a valid reason for wanting to make the jump to this new device.  Remember, the added value comes in an increase in screen real estate screen (from 3.5 inches to 4.2 inches), it comes with a larger stylus, and the screen is a bit brighter.  Besides that, it is nearly identical (internals and ports/switches-wise) to the DSi.  If you’ve got the original DS or the DS Lite and you’ve been wanting to get in on the dual camera gameplay, maybe it’s something to think about.  Look after the break to see the XL in action, Nintendo style.

In related DS news, Nintendo has teamed up with book publisher Harper Collins to create 100 Classic Book Collection, an eReader app of sorts that will be made available in the US on June 14.  For $19.99 Americans will have the opportunity to purchase the same 100 classic books Europeans have had access to on their DS’ for over a year now.  Joystiq makes a good point: “Why did it take Nintendo a year and a half to localize a bunch of books that were already in English?”  Anyway, the collection includes works from Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, and a whole lot more.  Look after the break for the full breakdown.  Though Nintendo promises specialized scrolling and zooming options, I just can’t see the Nintendo DS (even with a larger 4.2 inch screen) becoming a viable eReader.  Unless of course getting maigrains is a hobby for you.

[Via Joystiq, here, here & here; Engadget]

Continue reading Nintendo DSi XL coming March 28; plus 100 Classic Book Collection →

Halo: Reach behind-the-scene documentary

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Take a peek into the reconstructed Halo Universe.  Halo production leaders discuss how Halo: Reach ties back to our very first glipse of the vast world Bungie created in Halo: Combat Evolved (“that sense of wonder and exploration”) and why they decided to rebuild it all from the ground up.  “This is the definitive Halo made by the people who created Halo.”  Aaaand I’m pumped.  Check out a handful of new screenshots and artwork below.

[Via IGN, here & here]

Solid Snake to infiltrate arcade machines, 3D head-tracking style

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Konami has brought the Metal Gear experience to an arcade cabinent with Metal Gear Arcade.  Arcade is based on Metal Gear Online and the gameplay features “Integral Vision.”  The included headmount enables a 3D effect and supports head-tracking movement (where you look, the on-screen character looks).  The arcade cabinent also includes 5.1 surround sound, a built-in mic for voice chat, and physical gun controllers to help immerse you even further into the game.  Metal Gear Arcade debuted this week at the AUO Expo in Japan; there’s no word as to when it will hit the market.  Check out the trailer here and screenshots in the gallery below.

[Via Joystiq; Engadget]

If the future of video gaming is augmented reality, count me in!

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Imagine a future where video games transition from the TV and PC to your physical surrounds via a virtual reality headset with goggles.  Pretty wild.  (And FYI–this is not a concept video for true implementation; it’s actually from a fictional Israeli TV show.  Nonetheless, who knows what the future holds.)

[Via NowhereElse; Gizmodo]

3D is coming to PS3 this summer

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We knew it was coming but now it’s getting official.  SCEA’s John Koller spills the beans: This summer, two firmware updates will transform the PlayStation 3 into a 3D Blu-ray and 3D gaming machine:

3D is a major part of our initiatives in 2010 and we’re currently developing 3D stereoscopic games to come in conjunction with the launch of Sony’s 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TV in summer 2010. The amazing thing about the PS3’s technology is that all PS3 units that exist in homes and markets will be able to play 3D stereoscopic games as well as 3D BD movies through separate firmware upgrades – something that other platforms are unable to do. We’ll be announcing actual game titles separately later, but we think that 3D stereoscopic gaming has a ton of potential, particularly in placing consumers within the actual experience.

[Image and info via Gizmodo; Pocket-lint]

Xbox Live for first gen consoles & games is shutting down

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On April 15, 2010 access to Xbox Live on all original Xbox consoles and games will come to a grinding halt.  Microsoft is flipping the switch to the off position, so to speak, so if you own an original Xbox console and/or play Xbox Originals games on the 360 you will no longer be able to access Xbox Live features, ie. multiplayer and achievements.  Why is Microsoft doing this, you ask?  Xbox Live GM Marc Whitten: “…we need to make changes to the service that are incompatible with our original Xbox v1 games.”  In other words, original Xbox content is becoming stale and simply cannot forge its way into the new generation of gaming.  If you happen to be living in the past (or still can’t afford an Xbox 360, oh come on!) Microsoft has plans for you: “We will contact the Xbox LIVE members directly impacted by this change and if this includes you, I encourage you to check your LIVE messages and associated e-mail account over the coming weeks for more details and opportunities. We view you as a partner in this process.”  All you Halo 2 fanboys better get your multiplayer gaming on before it’s too late!  Soon you’ll be stuck with playing Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST; what a shame!

[Via Engadget; Microsoft Gamerscore Blog]