Sony’s GDC Wrap UP

March 12, 2010 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - ENTERTAINMENT, GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim, TECH

Sony finally unveiled its motion controller in full today at its GDC 2010 press conference. Officially called the PlayStation Move, the controller actually has two separate pieces. The main Move portion is what was shown at E3 2009 and features a glowing ball on the end that the PlayStation Eye (the camera) uses to locate its location. This half features an analog trigger on the back, a big, main button on the front, and the standard PlayStation face buttons (X, Circle, Square and Triangle).

The second half of the PlayStation Move equation is called the sub-controller. This doesn’t have a glowing ball on the end but instead features an analog stick, D-Pad, a couple face buttons and an analog trigger on the back. It’s all wireless, so unlike the Wii Nunchuck, the sub-controller doesn’t need to be plugged into the main motion controller to work.

The press conference was filled with news, demos and videos, and after the conference was over we were able to get our hands on a bunch of the games for ourselves. All of our coverage on the PlayStation Move and its demoed games are compiled here for your easy browsing.


PlayStation Move Features and News
Conference Live Blog
PlayStation Move Hands-on
PlayStation Move Images
36 Developers Creating PlayStation Move Titles

Game Impressions
Brunswick Pro Bowling
EyePet
Motion Fighter
SOCOM 4
Sports Champions
TV Superstars
The Shoot

Videos
LittleBigPlanet
EyePet
Motion Fighter
Move Party
Sports Champions
TV Superstars
The Shoot

Screenshots
Brunswick Pro Bowling
EyePet
Motion Fighters
Move Party
Sports Champions
TV Superstars
The Shoot

HD Movie Rentals On PS3

March 10, 2010 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim, TECH

Wow. The PS3 is getting HD purchases and rentals from all six major studios. A quick search turns up that Xbox is missing Fox and, duh, Sony.

It’s nice that Sony isn’t handicapping the Playstation 3 in order to protect its blu-ray business.

Sony’s got deals with Fox, Disney, Paramount, Itself, Universal and Warner. I’m impressed. Now I just have to remember my login for PS network.

From Movie Theater to Home Theater: PlayStation(R)Network Delivers High Definition Movies From Six Major Movie Studios in the United States

PlayStation(R)3 Computer Entertainment System First to Have High Definition Movies for Purchase from All Major Studios

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 9 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution will offer high definition (HD) movies for purchase and rental on the PlayStation®Network video delivery service in the United States. PlayStation Network is the first to offer high definition movies for purchase from all of the major movie studios, further establishing PlayStation®3 (PS3®) as the preeminent home entertainment platform for this year’s most popular and critically acclaimed high definition movies.

“Securing high definition content from these studios is another significant milestone further validating PlayStation Network as a complete entertainment network in the home. PlayStation Network is the first and only service to deliver high definition home entertainment from all six major studios, directly to consumers for download,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PlayStation Network, SCEA. “PlayStation Network continues to offer the most comprehensive catalogue of HD movies to PlayStation Network members that realize the wide-ranging entertainment power of the PS3 system.”

The PS3 system is the most complete home entertainment solution on the market today, enabling consumers to enjoy high-definition games and movies, as well as listen to music, view photos, browse the Internet and more. Today’s announcement joins one of the industry’s strongest home entertainment brands with the major media companies that produce and distribute a substantial number of films. At launch, the content will be available in the U.S. only, with plans to launch soon in the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain.

New titles available today on PlayStation Network include:
· 20th Century Fox – “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”, “Jennifer’s Body” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (on March 23)
· Walt Disney Pictures – Disney Pixar’s “Up”, Jerry Bruckheimer’s “G-Force” and Disney’s “Earth”
· Paramount Pictures – “Star Trek”, “Paranormal Activity” and “Zoolander”
· Sony Pictures – “This Is It”, “2012″, “District 9″ and “Zombieland”
· Universal – “Inglourious Basterds”, “Couples Retreat” and “Public Enemies”
· Warner Bros. Digital Distribution – “The Hangover”, “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” and “The Wizard of Oz”

Top 12 Must Have PS3 Games For 2009 Part 2

December 29, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - ENTERTAINMENT, Featured Articles, GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim

6. Killzone 2

The original Killzone may have failed to be the “Halo-killer” it was proclaimed to be, but after a painfully long time in development (the sequel was supposed to be a PS3 launch title), Guerilla Games finally delivered a first-person shooter that pushed its console to its boundaries, mostly in terms of graphics. Even stunningly polished shooters like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare lacked the level of detail displayed in Killzone 2’s bleak, post-apocalyptic wastelands and war-scorched cities. As soon as you boot up Guerilla’s killer FPS sequel, there’s no ignoring the mind-blowing lengths that the team behind the game has gone to, bringing the battlefield to life. Killzone 2 remains to be one of the best next-gen shooters, and is one that’s recommended for those who can appreciate its gritty science-fiction spin on the genre.

5. BioShock

Generally, gamers relish the ability to kill, maim and obliterate their enemies and obstacles, but BioShock changed the entire experience with solid, inventive gameplay and a new moral compass. This sleeper hit from 2K Games, a studio formerly known for high-profile but moderately successful strings of PC role-playing games (Jade Empire, Civilization IV, Sid Meier’s Pirates), sold Xbox 360s and unintentionally became a flagship title for the console with little buildup and a huge amount of positive press. When it finally made the transition to the PlayStation 3, BioShock also came with a new “Survivor Mode” that made the already tough gameplay even harder than before, which was all the reason we needed to play the game just one more time.

4. Assassin’s Creed 2

Ubisoft recreated the historic enviroment of 15th century Italy with the same care and attention to detail that Leonardo da Vinci gave to The Last Supper. No matter how well you can build a city, you almost can’t do better than Assassin’s Creed 2. Taking the stylish and addictive motions of the previous game’s protagonist, the near-superhuman Altair, Assassin’s Creed 2 went further towards the present with Ezio, the new assassin on the block. Noting both the forwards and backwards steps of the previous title, Ubisoft made sure that Ezio moves in ways that his predecessor never could: wading through waterways, stealing his opponents’ weapons, and even flying through the skies with the help of some handy contraptions.

3. Modern Warfare 2

Gut-wrenching moments and fast-paced FPS action were the bread and butter of the first Modern Warfare. After taking the Normandy Invasion as far as it could go, Infinity Ward took their coveted franchise into the modern era with amazing results. Since then, Modern Warfare 2 has proved to be a more-than-worthy successor to 2007’s Game of the Year, upping the ante with an insanely gripping story, even better multiplayer, and enough controversial decisions to jar any player back into reality, even if just for a split second. Even if you never go back to the solo missions after the first time around, playing online is so deep and incredibly well-polished, you’ll have little to no excuse to get tired of Modern Warfare 2.

2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

When you call any title the video game equivalent of Raiders of the Lost Ark, you know that the action has to be impressively over-the-top, the characters must evoke unmistakeable charm, and the experience has to rival everything else of its genre. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves does exactly that, bringing back a more flawed, more human Nathan Drake, who’s in a bigger adventure than even he can handle. Even with the memorable Hollywood-style action-adventure in the bag, the multiplayer proves to be a showcase for the vastly improved gameplay. With a cover system that feels refreshingly more natural and spontaneous than Gears of War, and explosive weapons that can tear down the walls around your character, you’ll have your hands full trying to stay ahead of the action.

1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Gamers, this is the one. If you’re planning to buy a PlayStation 3, or you already have one, Metal Gear Solid 4 should be at the top of your list. It’s an epic stealth-shooter with jaw-dropping graphics and a massively detailed storyline. Sure, the 20-minute cinema scenes can drag on a bit too long, but the game’s quality shines through in every aspect of its production. Unlockable rewards, 70+ weapons, and a well-designed online mode will keep you playing months after you’ve completed the core single-player experience. If you’ve ever loved a shooter, a stealth game, or an action game, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a can’t-miss title.

Top 12 Must Have PS3 games for 2009 Part 1

December 29, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - ENTERTAINMENT, GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim

Who says the PS3 doesn’t have great games? Like its predecessors, Sony’s next-gen console is destined to be the home of some truly awe-inspiring games, and already has several gems to its credit. Here are the a dozen titles that every PlayStation 3 owner should have in their collection.

12. Street Fighter IV

Capcom had one steep mountain to climb with Street Fighter IV. How could they go back to the style of the industry-changing SFII while retaining the advanced gameplay from the underrated Street Fighter III? Would the series really stay in 2D? Somehow, the development team managed a perfect KO on all counts, as the new look and feel of SFIV showed that the World Warriors were still the baddest group in town. With a large mix of SFII veterans, new challengers and Alpha cameos, the fourth Street Fighter not only got a graphical overhaul, but the classic fireball-throwing action was whipped into shape so that players of all type could throw a good beatdown. Not only did SFIV outdo itself on the charts, it’s also a damn good revival of the 2D fighting scene.

11. Dead Space

Visceral Games pretty much dethroned Capcom’s longstanding undead-hunting horror franchise Resident Evil as the king of the survival-horror genre when they released their blood-curdling masterpiece in terror, Dead Space, which featured gruesome beasties reminiscent of those from John Carpenter’s The Thing. It wasn’t the fact that Dead Space approached survival-horror in an all-new way — the game actually borrowed quite a bit from Resident Evil 4 in terms of the way you move around and combat enemies — no, what made Dead Space so terrifying was the dread-soaked atmosphere, the mood of being alone in space, and the disgusting mutated passengers infesting the mining ship you’re stuck on… passengers that only get grosser and more frightening as the game progresses.

10. LittleBigPlanet

Whether you choose to classify Media Molecule’s delightful PlayStation 3-exclusive game as a user-generated content creator or just a platformer with some fresh ideas, LittleBigPlanet is still one of the most imaginative next-gen games out there. It’s not often that modern games encourage the player to be creative, and LBP does a remarkable job of easing you into the creation process in way that has you putting together your own levels and content quickly, without overwhelming you. In fact, one of the reasons LittleBigPlanet has done so well for itself is because it’s so accessible. Creating your own levels is a concept that sounds good on paper, but is something that rarely works without turning off the majority of gamers who don’t have the patience to learn complicated user-creation tools. And LBP proved that user-creation can be user-friendly.

9. Fallout 3

Bethesda’s Fallout 3 presented players with a truly unique concept: the ability to play the game more-or-less however they wanted, allowing for the game itself to play out in an almost infinite number of ways. Sure, this was done before with games like Grand Theft Auto, but never on this scale. You can play Fallout 3 conservatively, carrying out sidequests and trying your hardest to make the best decisions possible. Conversely, if you’re in a particularly diabolical mood, you can just run around like a maniac, blowing away everyone you come across, be them good or evil, man or animal. Of course, massacring everyone you meet in the game comes with its price, such as receiving negative karma points and ultimately altering the ending of the game. If you own a next-gen console, do yourself a favor a take this gripping RPG-laced shooter for a ride.

8. Grand Theft Auto 4

Like Rock Band, Grand Theft Auto 4’s a tossup. More opponents for online play is great, but we’re big fans of better graphics, and the PS3 has an ever so slight edge in that department. Plus, the install cuts down on loading screens, which gives us more time to ram firetrucks into dirtbikes. As if that wasn’t enough reason to count this game among the best PS3 titles, there’s always the fact that you can push people in front of trains, saw pedestrians down with helicopter blades, and drive your date off a cliff. Be a menace!

7. Batman: Arkham Asylum

No one expected Batman: Arkham Asylum to be this good. In fact, no one expected it to be one of the most impressive and thrilling action games to ever hit the PlayStation 3. Thankfully, Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros./DC Comics made the invaluable choice of enlisting help from the best talent possible, including big-ticket names like Paul Dini, Kevin Conroy, Arleen Sorkin, and of course, Mark Hamill. For once, a video game developer got everything right in a Batman game, and Rocksteady Studios even went as far as including The Joker as a playable character for PS3 gamers. But most rewarding was the fact that The Caped Crusader fought like a demon from Hell, his tools were inventive and intuitive, and the atmosphere of Arkham Island was as demented and dangerous as its inhabitants. Welcome back, Batman.

Sony Is Thinking About Doing WHAT?!

December 18, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim, TECH
A survey sent from IPSOS Online Research indicates that Sony is considering premium subscription plans for the PlayStation Network, detailing potential prices and premium services, including full hour game trials, free access to PSOne Classics, and cross-game voice chat.

Reader Brenna sent us PDF files containing the Sony survey, which begins with the following bit of text:

Sony is considering offering a premium PlayStation Network subscription in the future. The subscription offering would provide new premium features you could choose to pay for and are in addition to the features currently available for free such as access to online multiplayer gaming (current features would remain free).

Following the introduction is a series of definitions of terms such as Token Wagering – a set number of tokens given to subscribers per month that can be used to be on games and exchanged for PSN content – and Cloud Storage Space for Games, which would allow players to save their game online rather than on their hard disk, protecting their data.

Other notable services listed as potential premiums include loyalty reward programs, automatic updates, member-exclusive Facebook Connectivity, an online music service and music video service, Hulu TV catch-ups, member-only game content, discounts, demo-sharing (sharing exclusive member-only demos from your full games with friends), and Netflix without a disc.

By far the most attractive premiums are full title trials, which give the user one hour access to full PlayStation 3 games, and free access to PSOne Classics, PSP minis, and premium themes.

The list also indicates that some eagerly awaited features could be subscriber only, such as cross-game voice chat. Having waited so long for the feature, I doubt fans would be particularly happy to have to pay for it.

The chart below details four potential plans, with three costing $69.99 a year or $9.99 a month – more than an Xbox Live Gold subscription, and one running $4.99 a month and $29.99 a year.

We’ve contacted Sony for comment on the survey, but have yet to hear back as of press time. Just keep in mind that companies regularly test the waters by sending out questionnaires like these, and they by no means represent any concrete plans on Sony’s behalf.

It seems as if they simply want to gauge customer reaction to the various plans and features. Your reactions, please?

Sony Still Losing Money On PS3 Slim

December 12, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim, TECH
One of the main reasons Sony ditched the “George Foreman” build of the PS3 and went with the new “Slim” was to cut back on manufacturing costs. Try and get back into the black. But they’re not quite there.

According to a report on iSuppli – who have been doing this kind of thing for a while now – the total cost of manufacturing a PS3 Slim as of December 2009 is $336.27. And they sell for $299. Meaning Sony are still slugged with a $37 loss for every console sold.

Sounds bad – and when you multiply that $37 by millions, it certainly seems that way – but it’s a damn sight less money than they were losing this time last year.

With the cost of materials continually on the decline, provided Sony can stick at a $299 price point for a while to come, you’d expect the PS3 to start generating a profit sometime next year.

Sony Gets One Step Closer to Breakeven Point with Latest PlayStation 3 Design
[iSuppli]

Gaming And Girlfriends Shouldn’t Mix

December 08, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - ENTERTAINMENT, GADGETS, LMAO, Sony Playstation 3 Slim, TECH

Video Games PS3 Fall List Part 2

September 24, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - Sony Playstation 3 Slim, TECH, VIDEO GAME REVIEWS
Guitar Hero: Van Halen
Release Date: December 22
Watch the Guitar Hero: Van Halen Trailer >>

What It Is: Uh, it’s Guitar Hero starring Van Halen. No, really, that’s all it is. Okay, it’s also a collection of some of Van Halen’s favorite bands, all crammed onto a disc for a full band experience.

Why It’s Hot: The short, easy answer is that it’s a game full of Van Halen songs. Guitar Hero: Metallica showed us that the single-band approach, when coupled with killer tracks, could actually be a ton of fun, but Activision has been rather mum on the progress of their latest one-band-focused project. Still, the formula’s proven successful already, what could possibly go wrong?

NBA 2K10
Release Date: October 6
Check Out the 2K10 Trailer >>

What It Is: The continuation of Visual Concepts‘ roundball sim, another year means another trip out onto the various courts and lanes of the 2010 NBA season. This year, 2K Sports is promising more than just roster changes and some fancy new visuals.

Why It’s Hot: The biggest additions to the series this year are the proliferation of online play across all modes, constantly updated rosters that mirror the current season and a career mode that lets you go from rookie to superstar. This should give the game plenty of single-player meat to enjoy.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
Release Date: September 29
Check Out the Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Trailer >>

What It Is: Like the Sigma before it, this sequel is a port of the original game that started on Microsoft hardware — in this case, Ninja Gaiden 2. Seen as something of an attempt to make a “definitive” version, Sigma 2 adds more modes, more characters and online multiplayer challenges.

Why It’s Hot: There’s still really nothing like Ninja Gaiden’s blend of skill-based action gaming. The sequel might not be as lovingly regarded as the original and Black remakes on the first Xbox, but it’s still the kind of game that will make you get better… or annoy the crap out of you. As there’s obviously more here to enjoy, Sigma 2 should offer plenty of value for fans of the series.

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Release Date: October 27
Watch the New Ratchet in Action >>

What It Is: The continuation and (in some ways) epic conclusion to the events that started with Ratchet and Clank’s 2007 outing, Tools of Destruction. A Crack in Time will re-unite the titular pair, explain the lack of Ratchets race and provide explosions. Lots and lots of explosions.

Why It’s Hot: Though there have been a few stumbles here and there, Insomniac’s Ratchet and Clank games are some of the most dependably enjoyable action platformers out there. The mix of gunplay and exploration is consistently creative — even innovative, and the continual improvements to the core engine have left this latest adventure looking gorgeous.

The Saboteur
Release Date: December 8
Watch the Latest Saboteur Video >>

What It Is: Pandemic’s World War II game was already looking like more than just another WWII re-tread when it first announced the whole “liberation of Paris = color returning to a black and white world” angle, but the mix of vertical traversal and open world options makes it seem even better.

Why It’s Hot: Driving, shooting, hand-to-hand combat and, uh, scaling just about any building sounds like a pretty good start. Making it open world and moving in a decidedly different direction than most World War II games is better still. And putting a barbed-tongued Irishman at the fore? Best move of all.

Saw: The Videogame
Release Date: October 6
See Saw >>

What It Is: A video game take on the horror franchise that has spawned a whopping half-dozen movies in almost as many years, you’ll now find yourself as one of the victims of the killer Jigsaw’s elaborate traps.

Why It’s Hot: Licensed games, as a rule of thumb, are to be avoided, but it appears that both the trap-based offerings and ties with the films’ creators might make this work far better than most licensed fare. After all, who wouldn’t want the chance to quickly think their way out of a do-or-die situation where you won’t actually die?

Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes
Release Date: October 6
Watch the Republic Heroes Trailer >>

What It Is: Krome Studios‘ take on the CG TV show currently running on Cartoon Network is a mix of two fairly different play styles; the shooting bits of Clone Troopers and the melee-based attacks of the Jedi (namely Anakin and Ahsoka, his Padawan), with a look, feel and story pulled from the show.

Why It’s Hot: There’s still a relative lack of drop-in/drop-out co-op experiences — particularly ones aimed at younger players — and Republic Heroes was designed from the ground up for it. A fitting sub-in for 2007’s Fall family fare, LEGO Star Wars, no?

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Release Date: October 27
Take a Closer Look at Force Unleashed >>

What It Is: An updated version of the original 2008 tale that bridges the gap in the Star Wars mythos between Episodes III and IV, the Ultimate Sith Edition collects the Coruscant and Tatooine DLC packs and adds a third set of missions on Hoth that lets you square off against Luke Skywalker himself.

Why It’s Hot: As much as the original release of The Force Unleashed made our heads hurt with some of the decisions, there was no denying the feeling of being the ultimate Force-wielding badass, and the Hoth expansion that lets us smack around Whiny Luke is an amazing bit of crossover awesomeness.

Tekken 6
Release Date: October 27
Watch the Latest Tekken Trailer >>

What It Is: Namco’s flagship fighting game series is finally hitting home consoles, adding a light bit of weapon-based combat and delivering a ton of customization and bonus modes to keep fighting game fans busy all the way through the Holidays.

Why It’s Hot: Online play, the evolution of Tekken Force Mode, sexy visuals, classic Tekken gameplay, a massive roster of characters, and tons of in-depth customization. Sure, it might have taken ages, but this arcade classic is arriving bigger and better than its coin-op origins.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Release Date: October 13
Check Out Uncharted 2 in HD >>

What It Is: The follow-up to what many still consider to be the best game on the PlayStation 3, that’s what. Leveraging developer Naughty Dog’s impeccable ability to squeeze jaw-dropping visuals out of the PS3 hardware with the same pulpy single-player adventure and, now, online multiplayer and co-op.

Why It’s Hot: There isn’t a single game on the PS3 saddled with more hype right now, and deservedly so. Every time Naughty Dog has shown the game, whether it be to the public or to us press folks, the result has been utterly gob-smacking. The single-player was already sound, but now it’s getting an injection of killer multiplayer offerings, too.

WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2010
Release Date: October 20
Watch SvR 2010 in action >>

What It Is: If you haven’t heard of the SmackDown series, we welcome you back to the present and hope your coma was nice and relaxing. As sure a thing as any of the yearly sports games, THQ and Yuke’s’ 2010 version promises a huge amount of user-created content.

Why It’s Hot: Everybody loves to make cool looking custom characters, but SvR 2010 lets you create that character, then a logo, then their moves, then their entrances, then their story, all from the ground up. Oh, and once you’ve spent all that time making something spiffy, you can share it with all the other players online.

Sony PLAYSTATION 3 Sheds Some Weight and Becomes the PS3 Slim

August 19, 2009 :: Posted by - Mr. Review :: Category - GADGETS, Sony Playstation 3 Slim

The slim will come with a 120GB drive, and will be 32% smaller and 36% lighter than the standard PlayStation 3, as well as using 34% less power. The $300 price will apply to all PlayStation 3s starting tomorrow. The Slim will be available everywhere by the first week of September.

Here are some more details. The 80GB PS3 (current model) will be discounted to $300, whereas the 160GB PS3 will be $400. There will be a new PS3 logo as well as modifications to the official name from PLAYSTATION 3 to PlayStation 3 as to not be shouting all the time.

It’ll also have a BRAVIA Sync feature that’ll allow you to control the PS3’s XMB with your Sony TV remote as long as they’re connected via HDMI. And the TV will automatically turn off the PS3 when the TV goes off.

There’s also a vertical stand retailing for $24 on September 3. Whether or not you can stand it up vertically for long periods of time without the stand is unknown. Sony also says that they’re eliminating the feature of installing other operating systems on the Slim, so no more Linux.

Oh, and there will only be two USB ports.

[Kotaku's Sony Liveblog]