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Sony working on same-screen 3D multiplayer, holographics for PS3?
Don't go knockin' Sony for resting on its laurels. The company that has spearheaded the 3D gaming push (NVIDIA notwithstanding) is apparently not even close to finished, with SCEE studio director Mick Hocking taking the time to get our juices flowing in an interview with Develop. The full spill is quite lengthy, and definitely a solid read for those interested, but a few key nuggets jumped out at us. For starters, Mike confessed that Sony has "techniques like holographics for the PS3 that [he thinks] will be very interesting for the future 3D games," and continued with this: "In regards to that we have some new technology that we've shown to developers that uses 3D techniques, it allows two players to play full screen multi-player games but without each being able to see the others view, and they have been massively keen on them." Of course, such a technique isn't exactly new -- we saw prototypes of the sort in use back at GDC -- but bringing them to a market as vast as the PS3 owner pool would definitely be a monumental step. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got a Gran Turismo 5 disc laying here that needs our undivided attention for the time being...
Sony stereoscopic screen sharing patent puts two players on one display
After that last bummer, where Sony applied for a patent "feature erosion" in game demos, we're glad to see the company come up with something positive for the gamers among us. Two recent patent apps, titled "Stereoscopic Screen Sharing Method and Apparatus Patent" and "3D Shutter Glasses with Mode Switching Based on Orientation to Display Device," detail the use of stereoscopic 3D technology to let two individual players see different information on the same screen (you might remember that Microsoft has also been working on something similar). Not only that, but the glasses could have earbuds -- for separate audio feeds. Of course, you'd need a 3D display for this to work, and you'd need to wear those silly glasses -- but that's a small price to pay to get rid of the ol' split screen, don't you think? [Warning: PDF source links]
A guide to shutting out the world (of Warcraft)
WoW is a very social game, and you might think that there is no getting around it. Fortunately for those who relish their alone time, there are several ways to minimize contact with other players and have some quiet time. While some people will argue that you should stop playing social games like MMORPGs, there are plenty of solo activities, and if that is what you want to do, more power to you.Today, I will be answering some reader mail from Heidi who desperately wants some peace and quiet.
New Killzone screens show off multi-player features
Those nice chaps at Games Radar have just posted some mouth-wateringly new Killzone: Liberation screens that show off the game's multi-player and the single-player squad-command system.In case you didn't know, Killzone will feature six-player Ad-Hoc multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Assault and Capture the Flag, in addition to a complete two-player co-op mode.There is infrastructure support in the works, but it won't be available with the game when it ships on Halloween.The squad-command system is pretty interesting. "Hit the command button and the fighting slows to a crawl, giving you time to pick out specific targets or positions for your squad without pausing the danger around you, keeping the battles tactical but tense," according to Games Radar.
New ProStroke Golf: World Tour 2007 screens released
I'm not very familiar with ProStroke Golf, which recently had a name change from World Tour Golf, but it released today in Europe and will release in a few months here. The game focuses on "the perfect swing above all else. The game lets you alter all aspects of your shot, from your position on the ball to the path of the club, allowing you to play shots exactly as you would in real life," according to Gamespot.Developer Gusto Games added in real golfers like Ian Woosnam, Sergio Garcia, and Mark O'Meara and a total of 18 different courses."All versions of the game will include four-player multiplayer modes, though, including the PSP version over ad hoc wireless. Also, if you've created a map and want to play it with your friend, the PSP will stream the map over to them so that they can try out your designs," said Struan Robertson, ProStroke Golf's producer.Sweet! I'm a sucker for map editors, especially when I can share them with friends.(Via FCS Publishing/Gamespot)
IGN gives Bounty Hounds a 7.0
Andrew has had his game he's lushed over, and I think it's been clear that Bounty Hounds has been my baby. I've been waiting impatiently for reviews to start trickling in, and it seems IGN has finally granted my wish.However, according to reviewer Juan Castro, it seems that I may have gotten my hopes a bit too high as Bounty Hounds, which was released Sept. 12, appears to suffer from some gameplay issues that stop the game from reaching its full potential.Positives Looks and performs better than just about any PSP title; High attention to detail, especially in enemy units; More than 500 weapons available; Most menus and interfaces are easy to navigate; and The game's wireless multi-player deathmatch helps keep the game from getting old. Negatives Players don't have full control of the camera. It can only be centered behind your character, which usually ends in your character being shot at by off-screen enemies; No auto lock-on combined with the frustrating camera makes for unnecessarily hard boss fights; and Repetitive combat. With all that said, IGN gives Bounty Hounds a 7.0, which isn't too bad, but definitely disappointing. Bad cameras have historically crippled action games of this ilk, but I was hoping Namco could pull through for me. However, I, like hopefully many of you, won't turn my back on the game due to one bad review. How 'bout we take a wait-and-see approach, eh?(Via IGN)
New Bounty Hounds screens revealed, ships Sept. 12
IGN has just posted nearly 40 new screens of Namco's upcoming Bounty Hounds. The screens show some nice levels and more mouth-watering battles that we've come to expect from this game.From these screens, Bounty Hounds is shaping up to the best-looking PSP game to date, with maybe the exception of Killzone. And with the recent news of infrastructure multi-player support, this game just keeps getting better and better.What makes this all even better is the game comes out in a few days come Sept. 12, and you can bet I'll be there picking up my copy first thing in the morning.(Via IGN)
Saints Row multiplayer troubles?
Ran across this comment on Major Nelson's blog:Major, please say something about the broken multiplayer experience in Saint's Row. Nothing is working properly. The invites, gangs, and party lobbies are all not working. THQ says the game uses no servers for the lobby functionality, so that just leaves the XBOX Live servers to blame. Anybody else having trouble? So far there aren't any complaints on various Saints Row fansites apart from the usual bitching about lag.
PDZ Map Pack One perfectly available
Following a premature announcement that temporarily left Joanna fans in the dark, PDZ Map Pack One is now perfectly available on XBLM for 500 MS Points. The new content includes four multiplayer maps: Plaza, Rooftops, Trench, and GasPlant. Fanboys, you've had a day to download. Please zero in with your impressions of the new real estate. Was it worth the price?
