Chris Powell
Articles by Chris Powell
Source says Sony still undecided on new PS3 model
There's been so much talk about the possibility of yet another PlayStation 3 model that it's hard not to believe that Sony has something in the works. And GameDaily has learned as much from a "very reliable" anonymous source inside Sony. However, that source said Sony hasn't actually decided what configuration the new model will sport, but that its executives and other officials have been meeting in Japan this week to figure that out. "There are a lot of different strategies under consideration, but nothing is final yet. They are considering ways to put some relevant distance between the two PS3 SKUs, but it's unclear how that will roll out," the source said. Additionally, the source said the reason for Sony considering yet another hardware configuration is because it doesn't believe there's enough difference between the 40GB and 80GB models.So if GameDaily's source is to be trusted, there's definitely something in the works, but it doesn't seem like even Sony knows what will be coming down the pipeline at this point. Either way, consumers won't be too upset if Sony can pack in a bigger hard drive and maybe a DualShock 3 while keeping the pricing structure the same.[Via Joystiq]
Condemned 2's multiplayer modes revealed
Sega said awhile back that Condemned 2: Bloodshot would feature online multiplayer, but we never really knew exactly what that would entail, until now. Sega revealed today that Condemned, which ships on March 11, will feature four online multiplayer modes that supports up to eight players simultaneously.Those modes are: Crime Scene is a round-based competition to find and protect valuable evidence within the Condemned universe. One team will use its forensic tools to track and scan the evidence while the opposing team will do everything in its power to keep the evidence hidden and protected. Bum Rush is a team-based race against time. With three minutes before one team can safely be evacuated, players must hold off an onslaught of attacks by the other team until the timer runs out to stand a chance of survival. Deathmatch is the classic free-for-all mode. Players can use every weapon they can find to dispatch enemies as quickly as possible in this melee battle royale. The player with the highest score at the end of the time limit wins. Team Deathmatch is the team-based version of the classic free-for-all mode. Working together, players pick up weapons from the environment and fight off as many enemies as possible before the clock runs down. The team with the highest score after the time limit wins. It appears Sega's giving players the standard multiplayer modes that we've all come to love, but Crime Scene sounds pretty interesting as it is the only one to be centered around the game's excellent forensic tool system. The more we hear from this game, the more excited we get. We can't wait until March!
Rumor: Metal Gear Solid 4 demo coming after all?
Sure, if Kojima Productions' Ryan Payton is to be believed, there won't be a Metal Gear Solid 4 demo, but if you're a reader of the Ultimate PlayStation 3 Mag, you're probably scratching your head right now. That's because after previewing a level from the game in the January issue, they say the stage they played will be available on the PlayStation Store in February.While this most certainly isn't concrete proof of the demo heading our way, it does certainly keep the hope alive. After all, would it really be that much trouble for Konami to throw its diehard fans a bone?
Donate your used PSP games to Trade-ins for Troops
When our servicemembers deploy overseas, they leave their families, homes and everything they've come to love, but one thing they usually take with them is their PSPs. Drew Koehler, founder of the Hardcore Christian Gamer's Association, is on a mission to ensure they have plenty of games to help pass the time, and he needs your help. Koehler's newest venture is Trade-ins for Troops, and it's supported entirely by gamers like yourselves who, instead of trading their old, used games in at Gamestop, donate them to Trade-ins for Troops. Then, Koehler and his team make sure they get into the troop's hands.Like comic books and playing cards have in past wars, video games are one of the main ways deployed troops pass the time, and after spending time in Iraq myself, I can say the PSP is extremely popular with servicemembers. It just so happens that Trade-ins for Troops are looking mostly for handheld games, so if you want to support a good cause, maybe you should look into donating them.
Impressively new Viking: Battle for Asgard screens
We've been somewhat critical of Sega's Viking: Battle for Asgard in the past, but we're pretty impressed with the newest round of screens Sega's released. These new screens feature more of the visceral head chompin' violence that we've seen in the past, but they also show off the game's impressive use of explosions and lighting. Also check out the massive battles. Pretty nice, huh? %Gallery-6254%
PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 17
Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com. For those having trouble accessing the site on your PS3, please visit m.ps3fanboy.com or disable Javascript.This weekend, we're focusing on Capcom's upcoming PS3 title Lost Planet.
PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 17
Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com.This weekend, we're focusing on Capcom's upcoming PS3 title Lost Planet.
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of Jan. 20
This has to be some sort of cruel joke. Two horror movies released this week, but we don't know which one is more scary. On one hand you have a movie about people getting horribly mutilated in various ways and one where The Rock is a star football player with a great single life until one day, his bastard daughter shows up on his front doorstep. Either way, we're pretty sure both movies will be tough to watch for far different reasons. Saw IV: Unrated Director's Cut The Game Plan Perhaps we're being a bit too tough on our good friend Dwayne Johnson. Nevertheless, perhaps he should stick with movies where he can bust in a room, say a couple bad-ass one liners and then proceed to beat the crap outta people with a variety of objects.
PS3ologists - your leader has come forward
We all knew Tom Cruise was a little loony with all this Scientology stuff, but we don't think anyone knew just quite how crazy he'd become until a leaked video featuring Cruise explaining the awe-inspiring power only Scientologists possess. However, some people don't know that a new religion has sprung up in the wake of the Scientology controversy - PS3ology. Taking a page out of Cruise's book is DJWheat from Epileptic Gaming. Many of you may sit there with a confused expression on your face, but make sure you watch the Cruise video first, because only then will you really appreciate the great parody. Just remember, it's a privilege to call yourself a PS3ologist.
Worldwide PSP releases for the week of Jan. 20
After a few weeks without nary a release in any region, we're back to seeing the normal flow of games. While Rainbow Islands Evolution may not be the big-name release that some of you have hoped for, we're sure a few people out there have been anticipating its release.North America Games Rainbow Islands Evolution Europe Games No new releases Asia Games Lumines II (The Best Collection) Winning Eleven Ubiquitous Evolution 2008 Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone If importing is in your nature, you might want to check out Yggdra Union, which is a remake of the GBA version released in 2006. It's a tactical RPG, so if you've already beaten Jeanne d'Arc and Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, this could be right up your alley.
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 47
Gamevideos.com's Wipeout Pulse import impressions (61.9MB) Also featured: God of War: Chains of Olympus, Twisted Metal: Head on: Extra Twisted, PlayTV and Syphon Filter: Combat Ops
Sega: No plans for Virtua Fighter 5 PS3 patch
As of late, Sega hasn't been very kind to PS3 owning fighting fans. First, Sega spurned online support for the PS3 version of Virtua Fighter 5, instead offering full online play for the game's Xbox 360 version. More recently, however, Sega released a patch for the 360 title that improved several aspects of play, both online and offline. Do you think Sega would finally throw us PS3 VF5 owners bone? No and probably not ever, according to Sega's Jay Boor. He told PS3 Fanboy, "at this time SEGA has no plans to release a patch for the PS3 version of Virtua Fighter 5."Sure, a few of you may look at that and still hold onto the possibility, but we're finally closing the door on any hope that the PS3 version will ever get any future improvements, let alone online play. Oh well, there's always the inevitable sequel, right?
Gametrailers.com listens, compares component and HDMI
As many of you know, Gametrailers recently came under quite a bit of scrutiny when it was learned that the PS3 and Xbox 360 comparison videos they've been posting were used at the PS3's default video settings and using component cables. To silence its critics, Gametrailers posted a video comparing Uncharted: Drake's Fortune using standard component cables like they have in the past and what many PS3 owners have wanted – HDMI, full RGB and with adjusted ultra white levels. After watching the video several times, we have to say, it's kinda hard to tell a difference. In the end, this whole controversy might have been a bit overblown, but we think it'd probably be smart on Gametrailer's part to just use the HDMI settings in any future comparison videos. It just might save you guys a lot of hate mail.
See the story behind Valkyrie of the Battlefield
If we were fluent in Japanese, this new Valkyrie of the Battlefield video would probably make a lot more sense. As it stands, we're left with looking at the game's gorgeous visuals and making lame attempts at trying to understand what's going on. Going on just what we can see in the video, it appears that the East Europe Empire Union and the Atlantic Ocean Federal Organization are fighting over rights to mine a mineral called Ragnite. Caught in between is Gallian, a country to the west of the East European empire and possibly the source of Ragnite. It looks as if it will be up to you and your "rag tag" group of countrymen to overthrow the invaders and bring the land back to peace.
Sega to release Yakuza 3 samurai noodles
Although Yakuza 3 still doesn't have a Western release date, many gamers have already decided that they'll import it anyway. If that's the case, you can add one more item to the list as Sega will offer Yakuza 3 instant noodles next month – ya know, to feed that craving you get when slicing and dicing your opponents to a bloody pulp. We have to say, this is the best food product to promote a video game since the Pac-Man cereal. [Via Kotaku]
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit will feature online play
While the Wii version of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is officially the first Dragon Ball game to feature online play, let's not kid ourselves. The Wii isn't exactly known as a major hub for online gaming. However, it appears that developer Namco Bandai is fixing that despicable oversight when Atari recently announced that the next game in the franchise – Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit will ship later this year with a full online mode on the PS3.Atari didn't say too much beyond that, but it promised "radical 3D graphic effects," which we've witnessed, and we have to agree. This looks closer to playing the actual cartoon than we've ever seen before, and we can't wait to see more.
Capcom announces new Monster Hunter PSP
It wasn't too long ago when Sony and Capcom partnered together to release a limited edition Monster Hunter 2nd Summer PSP bundle. Well, it looks like they're at it again with Monster Hunter Portable 2G. Called the Hunter's G Pack, the limited edition bundle will hit retail shelves on March 27 in Japan for 25,800 yen and will include the PSP, Monster Hunter Portable 2G, a carrying case and limited edition wrist strap, as well as the AC adapter and battery.The system's model number is PSP-2000 ZN, so don't worry, you will be able to Skype with it. Admittedly, the new bundle looks a lot like something from Zelda, but we're not complaining because it looks darn sweet![Via Official PlayStation forums]
Deal of the Day: Castlevania for $20 at Amazon
We haven't heard much about Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles as of late, but that's probably because everyone's been hunkered down playing it. For those who haven't, however, have we got a deal for you! Right now, Amazon has slashed the price on the game to only $20 with free shipping.Our very own Nick Doerr gave the game an 8.5 when he reviewed it, and even said, "If you love Castlevania, this is the definitive game to get." Well, there you have it; if you're a Castlevania fan, this should definitely be in your library. Via CAG
Sasaki: Ring outs evolve in SoulCalibur IV
We were all in for quite a shock when it was revealed that Darth Vader would be entering the tournament in SoulCalibur IV exclusively on the PS3. Now that the shock has worn away a little and we've had a chance to catch our breath, here comes a nice interview with the game's director Katsutoshi Sasaki, who talks about a myriad of topics ranging from the evolution of the game's ring outs to why the team included Star Wars' most popular character. To be perfectly honest, we were sold on the game after Ivy was *ahem* revealed, but with the newest addition and everything Sasaki said, we think we're starting to feel like those Star Wars guys who wait in line weeks to watch a new episode.
New Viking: Battle for Asgard screens make us say, 'hmm'
After seeing these newly released Viking: Battle for Asgard screens, it's a wonder that Sega doesn't have a mailbox full of lawsuits from all the other franchises that have "inspired" the game. We've already seen how suspiciously close the game's bad guys look to that of Peter Jackson's orcs, but you can also make the case that the game's giants look a lot like the El Gigantes from Resident Evil 4, too. But hey, we're probably just nitpicking, right? The real story here is that Battle for Asgard appears to feature some really epic battles that are sure to be loads of fun, and these screens prove that. And even if the game is borrowing heavily from a few well-established franchises, at least they know who they should be emulating. %Gallery-6254%