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Get your PS Store shoes on, cuz we're going shopping!
Do you have a pair of shoes that are lucky, or get worn only under certain circumstances? We've all got our own personal traditions -- mine is to stop shaving once I begin studying for an exam until it's over. I pretend that the hair on my face is the knowledge of the material hanging off of me and when the test is over, I cut it all away. Shut up! It makes perfect sense! It's important to have these personal traditions, or else... oh, what the hell are we talking about? Three new items hit the PlayStation Store today: flOw, Q*Bert, and a Ridge Racer 7 demo. Now everyone can go around saying "Riiiiiiidge Racer" all they want since the demo is theirs for the taking. The former two have a price tag ($7.99 and $4.99 respectively), but neither are much to complain about. Ridge Racer 7 is, of course, a free demo. If they aren't at the store now (not near my PS3), they should be around before dinner. Just a guesstimation. Enjoy them, guys!
Microsoft celebrates Year of the Boar with boring bundles
Microsoft is ushering in the (Lunar) New Year with a pair of discounted Xbox 360 game packs. One set includes Project Gotham Racing 3 and Ridge Racer 6; the other, Dead or Alive 4 and Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. The 'Year of the Boar' branded bundles are being sold in Taiwan, where Xbox 360 launched last March. At $1,490 TWD (about $45 USD) a pop, the festive fun-packs aren't screaming "buy me" -- at least from our perspective. We're looking at three launch titles that have since been bargain-binned and a virtual peep show. This the best Microsoft could scoop outta the over-manufactured heap? Or do these hit the "target"?
Unexplained PlayStation Network and Sixaxis phenomena, mostly explained
The PS3 is not, it's fair to say, perfect. Yet it's not the complete mess that some fanboys would have you believe, either. In truth, it's just imperfect. Like most consoles (except for the SNES). Anyway, some of those imperfections affect online play with the PS3. And those are the ones that bother us most. We've been playing Ridge Racer 7 online every day for the past three weeks, and largely without complaint. A few recurring problems have, however, started to sap our Ridge Spirit (whatever that is). For one thing, intermittent Bluetooth downtime suffered by the Sixaxis has led us drifting helplessly into track barriers. That's a hardware fault, but a software anomaly was also experienced at this blogger's test location of Kyoto, Japan, where yesterday a race was won without any true racing: Our Meltfire motor lined up in pole position on the starting grid, we took off at a good pace, then checked our rear-view mirror to see the other nine racers involved, lagging about 200 meters behind. A second later, they were gone. All our competitors had disappeared, leaving us to amble around the Aviator Loop circuit and, very smugly, pick up some serious Online Battle Points. That was a one-off (although we secretly hope it happens again). Unfortunately, the Bluetooth deadzone niggle -- caused by automatic Bluetooth re-syncing -- continues to niggle. Worse, having to occasionally connect the Sixaxis via USB in order to manually re-sync its Bluetooth connection is something of a downer. And we want uppers. So, Sony, please release all the firmware updates you can. We've not written you off yet.
Japan: PS3 near sell-out, Ridge Racer, Gundam popular
Reuters documents the Japanese PS3 frenzy, saying that the console sold nearly all of its stock -- 88,400 units -- in its first two days. Just over 60 percent moved were the 60GB version, but we expect gamers were just buying whatever was available.But what games do the Japanese players want? Mobile Suit Gundam: Target in Sight and Ridge Racer 7 are the hottest titles, selling about 30,000 each. While other launch titles are picking up the slack, it sounds like Japanese gamers are spending most of their money on the console and not on games.The PS3 already supports video downloads in Japan, so that audience may see it as a rounded entertainment system -- or a Blu-ray player. We're interested in how the number of games sold per-console averages out in different parts of the world.
Let's compare visuals: Ridge Racer
With the release of the Playstation 3 this week we'll undoubtedly see comparisons between it and the Xbox 360 in terms of visual prowess. It's inevitable, because some gamers base their purchasing decisions strictly on which console can produce the prettiest looking environments and coolest HD particle effects. I figured I'd add fuel to this upcoming fire by posting a little comparison between the Xbox 360 version of Ridge Racer 6 and the PS3 version of Ridge Racer 7. What's cool about these comparison shots is that they are of roughly the same environments and locations, depicting a direct and accurate comparison. Though, the screen grabs are just that, off-screen grabs of the games and the article is in a language I have yet to study. Take a look at some comparison shots, which would you give the blue ribbon award for graphics to?[Via, Digg]
Today's hottest game video: PS3 son
Kotaku created today's most watched YouTube game video. Brian Crecente stuck his five-year-old son, Tristan, in front of the PS3's upcoming Ridge Racer, dropped a Sixaxis controller into his hands, and pushed record. What follows is almost as precious as the recordings of a kid's first steps. (Reports are unconfirmed that Crecente had to erase that bipedal milestone to capture this moment.)What does the young gamer thing of the controller? He doesn't quite say, never breaking his gamer's haze to give an interview; he's most concerned with ridges and racing, probably in that order. See the video after the break.
Deal of the Day: $17 PSP games at Circuit City
If you're like me, then you like to buy your games on the cheap. And you can't get much cheaper than Circuit City and its $17 clearance on a bunch of PSP games. Here's the list: Burnout Legends Death Jr. FIFA World Cup 2006 Lumines Mega Man: Powered Up Midway Arcade Treasures Namco Museum Battle Collection NBA Ballers Rebound Pinball Hall of Fame Ridge Racer SSX On Tour Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Yeah, most of these games are a tad old, but we gotta take the deals as they come to us, right? It doesn't look like this deal is currently being offered online, so you'll have to get off the computer and go outside. [Via Cheapassgamer - Registration required]
Famitsu reviews the first wave of PS3 games
The overall verdict? Not a sad bloke in the lot. Then again, this ever-intrepid blogulator considers a 7 as it should be considered: above average, but not great. Besides, that number was the lowest. Let's also remember -- Famitsu is a tough cookie when it comes to reviews. Only six games have made perfect scores (and lo and behold, some of my favorites): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64), Soul Calibur (DC), Vagrant Story (PSX... Best. Game. Ever.), The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (GC), Nintendogs (DS), and Final Fantasy XII (PS2... same people who made Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story... and the lesser cared about Romancing SaGa games, which are also great). You can check out what else got almost-perfect scores on Wikipedia. Some surprises, really, but you have to remember -- unlike our video game magazines that seem to arbitrarily pick numbers based on "awesome factor", Famitsu bases their scores in comparison only to other games in the same genre. A perfect score means that, in that particular genre, nothing else can possibly be better.Whew. Sorry about that, but it's just so exciting! Without further ado, here are the review scores/highlights for the first wave of PS3 titles: Miyazato Golf Club: 7, 7, 7, 7 good tempo, hard to judge where shots will land, doesn't quite look next-gen Genji: 7, 7, 7, 8 camera is difficult, but the game looks great; challenging for beginners, good amount of content, good controls Gundam: 8, 8, 8, 8 excellent Mobile Suit models, problematic system, great textures, tons of optional/unlockable stuff, satisfying, but with divided opinions (don't look at me -- just copying from the forum) Resistance: 9, 8, 8, 8 (keep in mind, a lot of people say the Japanese don't like the FPS genre -- but again, the grading is based on others in the same genre, so...) standard FPS gameplay, excellent netplay, very high standard of next-gen Riiiiiiidge Racer 7: 9, 9, 9, 9 totally satisfactory, tons of content, very high quality graphics and sound There you have it. Report your reactions in the form of comments! Dismissed!
PlayStation 3 kiosks invade Japan
Famitsu's posted Sony's PlayStation 3 kiosk distribution strategy, which -- if our interpretation of the Google translation is accurate -- will see 1,000 units dumped across Japan by year's end.The kiosks, the first of which are currently being installed, will include demos of Devil May Cry 4, Gran Turismo HD, Ridge Racer 7, and Sega's Power Smash 3. In addition, some level of network functionality will be active, presumably to beam down upcoming demos to the individual stations. The kiosks will also feature "Cross Media Bar" functionality, suggesting that videos, photos, and music will also be installed and regularly updated -- and possibly distributable onto memory units.[Google translation]
Surviving Sony Gamer's Day
I set my alarm yesterday morning. I had a date with Sony Gamer's Day, 2006. And yes, Grammar Rodeo champions, that apostrophe means that it was just for me. Also, about 100 to 200 other journalists and analysts showed up, but I let them stay.Sony's annual all-day press event held few surprises. Instead, it was the last big event before the PS3 retail launch, and we reporters got to play more games, eat fancy hors d'oeuvres, and talk to Sony executives. In the late morning, I attended a lunch that was supposed to be with developers but occurred without them; a roundtable discussion had been canceled. Instead, I got to listen to analysts at my table spout lots of semi-confidential numbers off-the-record. Numbers like "40%," and "5,000,000." (Yes, commenters, those are completely out of context; don't start any rumors.) After eating fancy food that may have been prepared entirely by a team of Cell processors -- it was that good -- I headed to San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood for the presentations.
Ridge Racer 2 downloadable demo
Yesterday, we told you new demos were coming soon. And today, one of them has been made available. Ridge Racer 2 is now available at ridgeracerpsp.com. You'll need to be registered at YourPSP (for European users only), OR you can download directly from us (not bad, huh?). The game demo requires firmware 2.81 2.80 or above.1. Download the demo ZIP file.2. Extract the contents of the ZIP file.3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.5. Copy UCES00422 folder into the GAME directory. Check out our new demos site:demos.pspfanboy.com
TGS: Ridge Racer 7 demo attracts loyal fan
It seems all that burning rubber and gratuitous nitro boosting in the Ridge Racer 7 demo took its toll on a lone PS3. Kotaku snapped this picture of a Sony rep bravely averting disaster by pointing some sort of advanced cooling mechanism into the console's compartment. System anomalies crop up at trade shows all the time -- we salute the fan-man for his keen sense of practicality. He probably doesn't lock his dog in the car while he's out shopping either. [Thanks AK and mupwangle]
Six PS3 Japanese launch games confirmed
As part of a flood of press materials coming out of Sony during the Tokyo Game Show, the company has confirmed six of the titles that will launch with the system in Japan on Nov. 11. They are: Resistance: Fall of Man Ridge Racer 7 Genji: Days of the Blade Sega Golf Club Mobile Suit Gundam: Target in Sight Mah-Jong Fight Club Online This list is tentative, and is liable to grow and change in the weeks leading up to launch. While none of these titles have been officially confirmed for the North American release on Nov. 17, the system is region-free for games, so if worst comes to worst you can get your Mah-Jong fix via an importer.Speaking of the North American launch, Gamespot is reporting that Activision and Electronic Arts have pledged a combined seven to eight games for launch on this side of the Pacific, with Take Two and Ubisoft likely to contribute a few more in the launch window.
Joystiq hands-on: Ridge Racer 7 (PS3)
Namco Bandai's Ridge Racer 7 is gorgeous. After 36 minutes of waiting in line and 13 seconds of loading screens, we got a chance to play a track of one of the few PS3 games running in 1080p. The attention to detail is impressive, including: Taillights blur and stretch while in tunnels Effective shadowing and reflections against your car When nitro is activated, giant flames blast out from the back of your car and the environments blur accordingly. One thing we noticed was that you could not damage your car -- not by running into other cars, skidding against the side rails, or ramming straight into a wall. And while all tires left tracks, they would disappear by the next lap.Everything else is what you'd expect from a racing game. Is it incredibly realistic? Not really, but the game was still pretty fun, and one of the few titles that pushed the PS3s graphics capabilities. Favorite moment: Everyone in line, myself include, finished the race by drifting our cars to the point where we crossed the finish line backwards.
TGS videos attack! Pick your poison... or wine... whichever
A gameplay video of Coded Arms Assault is now available for your viewing pleasure. It looks all right. It doesn't seem like too much of a separation from standard FPS titles, but it's worth a look if you're an FPS junkie. There's also a gorgeous Ridge Racer 7 gameply video. It looks better than all right. Mostly awesome. Just look at that gorgeous car go around that gorgeous track... and rear-end that other car. It's pretty sweet. Also, a Ninja Gaiden Sigma trailer is up and running. If you guys were right, those who've played Ninja Gaiden Black won't see too much new here. But then again, maybe so. Let us know. Here's a gameplay video of Lair also. What can we say? Dragons, flying, destruction... it's something special, to be sure. Lastly, there's a gameplay video of Devil May Cry 4. Besides the fact the person playing it has no idea what he's doing (sorry, but it's true, unless the controls have changed completely), the game looks astoundingly good. Bias? Sure. But it does. If you mention the cape/sword clipping, that's true, but that in no way should detract from your enjoyment of the game. Anyway, we'll keep you informed of other game videos and other stuff as we get our news from the Joystiq staff that had the honor of being there.
Ridge Racers 2 rips you off
I once wrote about Ridge Racers 2: "Doesn't it seem like there's nothing particularly new or noteworthy about this version?" Unfortunately, my statement was a bit too accurate about the game. According to an IGN preview, it appears that the sequel is barely a sequel at all. The game features the same graphics engine and the same courses as the original launch title. Yes, there's a few new stuff: there's 10 new tracks, and two new gameplay modes. But with longer load times, is this "sequel" really worth the additional $20-30 it'll cost over the original? I'd say no. If Namco's going to rip-off gamers like that, IGN has it completely right:"There's no word on a US release. That may be for the better though."
As promised, Riiiiiiidge Raaaaaacer 7 updates! [Update 1]
The Japanese magazine Famitsu posted some news about the upcoming Namco-Bandai title, Ridge Racer 7. A lot of the news was just rehashing the E3 information, but the new information comes in a description of the modes of play. There are a lot. Let's take a look: Ridge State Grand Prix: the main mode of play. 160 races await you on 44 courses (22 if you don't count reversed courses... which you should, they're surprisingly different). Win races, earn new cars and parts. Online Battle: Online gaming fanatics main mode of play. Online races support 14 players. In addition to competitive racing, other options will include relay, team battle and pair time attack. Global Time Attack: face off against the world's racers, all trying to get the best time on any given course. You can also use split screen here and race with a buddy, teaming up for pair time attack. Arcade: standard play that supports two-player split screen. UFLA Special Event: events downloaded through the internet. Sounds promising! Machine Connector: customize your ride in this mode. From performance to visuals, it's all an option. Future stickers, parts, etc will be available for download. Ranking Browser: not really a mode of play, but you can see the rankings of the top players worldwide. Fun stuff, huh? Still no actual screenshots or release date, but this is a pretty good indicator of what's to come. Cross your fingers for the Tokyo Game Show, racing fans![update: here are some game screenshots hot off the press guys! Looks gorgeous!]
Riiiiiidge Raaaaacer 7 has news speeding its way!
The Sony execs really, really love this game! Ridge Racer 7 is probably going to get a large influx of news in the coming weeks, according to the Japanese website, according to IGN, according to us. There's a fun flash animation on the official Namco-Bandai site at least and those are always exciting (since most of us can't read anything else on the site). Even though the game was building up some steam near E3, only some conceptual footage was found. Now with this announcement, will we see a new or updated (or playable?) build at the Tokyo Game Show? Would be cool. This brings up a fun question to be answered by you all: which racing game really matters? Are you a Ridge Racer, Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, or other big racing title fan? Which one has you most excited for the next-gen console?
Ridge Racer 2 intro and gameplay video
There's something about the PSP and its great affinity towards CG women. The Ridge Racers series is famous for the CG model Reiko Nagase posing seductively on top of the cars. The upcoming Ridge Racers 2 is no different, as it continues the tradition. This video showcases some of the gameplay from the upcoming sequel and also shows you the sleek intro sequence as well. The game hasn't been announced for US release yet, but will be available in Japan in September.[Via IGN]
Ridge Racers 2... 2... 2...
Riiiiiidge Racer is coming back to PSP. It launched as one of the more popular options during the PSP launch, which led to its inevitable sequel. The commercial's pretty nifty, but doesn't it seem like there's nothing particularly new or noteworthy about this version? It hasn't been announced for a US release yet, but it's screeching towards Japan in September.
